A Guard of Honour saluted the outgoing Army Commander General Shavendra Silva at the formal farewell ceremony, held at the Army Headquarters yesterday. Newly appointed Army Commander Lt General Vikum Liyanage is also in the picture
Pic By Kithsiri de mel

• Have done everything possible to defend the country and her people during her career of 39 years

Outgoing Army Commander General Shavendra Silva yesterday said that the Sri Lanka Army has been able to display professionalism to the motherland and to the world while maintaining professionalism during the turbulent social conditions prevailing in the motherland over the past few days due to economic difficulties.  

General Silva during his address to the troops upon relinquishment of his office on Tuesday (31) to assume duties as the new Chief of Defence Staff said that he being the senior officer with the highest number of medals in the Army has done everything possible to defend the country and her people during her career of 39 years.   

“I am delighted to have the opportunity to address all of you, at this emotional moment of relinquishing my duties as the 23rd Commander of the Army after 39 years of illustrious service in the Sri Lanka Army. I would like to express my gratitude to all the officers and other ranks, including the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army, Major General Vikum Liyanage, who is going to assume duties as the 24th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army today  for all arrangements in place for my relinquishment,” he said.