Army gets new Chief of Staff

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

COLOMBO: The new Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army Major General Lawrence Fernando assumed duties yesterday at Army Headquarters. He will function as the Overall Operations Commander in Colombo too. General Fernando is also the Regimental Commander of the Gajaba Regiment.

Meanwhile, Major General Sumith Balasuriya has been appointed as the Commandant of Sir John Kotalawela Defence University and he will be assuming duties tomorrow. Major General Sanath Karunaratne has been appointed as the Regimental Commander of the Sri Lanka Army Women’s Corps in addition to his present appointment as the 11 Division Commander. Earlier, this appointment was held by General Balasuriya.

Meanwhile, the Army has seen success with the General Amnesty period given to deserters which ended on February 5. Military sources said 3,884 deserters have re-joined during that period.

The recruitment campaign to enlist 2,000 new soldiers is also reaching the target.