Appreciation:

General G.D.G.N. Seneviratne (Retd.) VSV NDC

General G.D.G.N. Seneviratne, former Commander of the Army has passed away on August 12.

Here is the Part - I Order issued by the Sri Lanka Army in accordance with military traditions.

"It is with an intense feeling of profound sorrow, the Commander of the Army, all Officers and other Ranks express their grief on the demise of General GDGN Seneviratne VSV ndc, the former Commander of the Army on 12 August 2009 in Colombo.

Ganegoda Don Granville Nalin Seneviratne was born on August 25, 1931 in Colombo.

He was educated at Royal College, Colombo where he excelled in academics whilst proving himself as an outstanding sportsman particularly in Athletic and Rugby. He was also a member of the College Cadet Platoon and Regimental Sergeant Major of the Ceylon Cadet Battalion.

Having enlisted into the Sri Lanka Army as an Officer Cadet on October 1, 1951, he underwent initial military training at the prestigious Royal Military academy. Sandhurst in the United Kingdom from January 12, 1952 to July 2, 1953.

On successful completion of the Officer Cadet Course in the United Kingdom, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant on July 30, 1953 and was posted to the Ceylon Engineers.

General GDGN Seneviratne began his military career with the Ceylon Engineers.

He was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant due to his dedication and competence on January 30, 1955, Captain on January 30, 1958 and Major on August 1, 1963.

His outstanding performances were further rewarded by being promoted to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel on December 1, 1971. Colonel on January 1, 1977 and Brigadier on December 31, 1981 and Major General on February 11, 1985.

He held the following key appointments during tenure of service in the Sri Lanka Army.

General Staff Officer - III, Army Headquarters, Staff Officer - II, Headquarters, Task Force Anti Illicit Immigration, Commanding Officer - I, Field Engineer Regiment, Extra Aide - De - Camp to His Excellency the President, The Commandant Engineer Group, Director Engineer services Army Headquarters, Director Designated Budget and Financial Management, Commander - Support Force Panagoda, Commander - Security Force, Jaffna, Coordinating Officer - Jaffna and Kilinochchi and finally, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army.

On his retirement from the Army, General; GDGN Seneviratne was appointed as the first Governor of the North East Province from November 30, 1988 to November 30, 1993 and contributed his service to the nation.

In honour of his committed and dedicated service to the nation, the President promoted him to the rank of General on October 01, 2007.

The last rites of the General GDGN Seneviratne (Retd) VSV ndc with full military honours was held on August 15 at the General cemetery, Borella.