Maj. Gen. Gunawardena assumes duties as Army Chief of Staff

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya  

Major General Jagath Gunawardena yesterday assumed duties as the 55th Chief of Staff of the Army in a simple ceremony held at the Army Headquarters, amid religious observances.  

He was appointed to the post following the retirement of Major General Sathyapriya Liyanage.  
Maj. Gen. Gunawardena served as the Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF) prior to taking over as the Chief of Staff and currently serves as the Colonel Commandant of the Sri Lanka Engineers.  
He paid his first formal courtesy call on the Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva and during the exchange of views the Commander underlined the need to transform the Army to match future challenges and promote the professional career prospects in the organisation while enhancing welfare roles for all ranks.  

Meanwhile, Major General Suraj Bangsajayah assumed duties as the 42nd Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF) on Monday at the SLAVF Headquarters. 

Maj. Gen. Gunawardena served as the Commandant of the SLAVF prior to taking over as Chief of Staff