Association of Retired Flag Rank Officers (ARFRO)

The Association of Retired Flag Rank Officers (ARFRO) in Sri Lanka came into being in 1996 as a result of an invitation from the Worldwide Consultative Association of Retired Generals and Admirals (WACARGA) to participate in their activities. Senior Officers from some 40 countries joined this association, which met occasionally to discuss matters of professional interest.

Four officers from Sri Lanka led by Gen JED Perera participated in the first ever meeting held in London in 1995. The others in the team were Gen SC Ranatunga, Major General CAMN Silva and Brig Upali Karunaratne.

Officers who have held senior appointments in all three services have a wealth of experience which will no doubt be of great value to the future generations of officers. The Association hopes to consolidate these views and have presentations at which serving officers are invited to be present and participate in these discussions. ARFRO also invites eminent personalities from varied and multidisciplines to conduct presentations to its membership, serving officers of the triservices and officer cadets. ARFROMC is a part of this initiative.

It is not the intention of ARFRO to interfere with or cut across the formal training given to officers. ARFRO is a professional body ready to advise when requested to do so. The second objective of ARFRO is to assist ex-servicemen and women and their dependents to live “free from want. Through the activities of the RFCSS where young war widows and their dependent children are counseled and provided with many training programmes to enrich their lives. The RFCSS also arranges educational tours and pilgrimages for these groups.

ARFRO, held its 25th Annual General Meeting in May 2023 at the Regimental Officers’ Mess, Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police. Former Service Commanders General C S Weerasooriya, Admiral D W K Sandagiri, Air Chief Marshal J Weerakkody, General RMD Ratnayake, and Air Chief Marshal G P Bulathsinghala graced the occasion. Over 75 Flag Rank Officers who are Life and Associate Members of the Association attended this year’s AGM. Further, ARFRO assists families and dependents of KIA/MIA personnel to live ‘free from want’, through the Ranaviru Family Counseling and Support Service (RFCSS). The assistance provided enables the families to realise that they are being cared for. We also award a few scholarships to selected needy children of these families on an annual basis.

ARFRO recognises that the journey of a veteran does not cease upon retirement and therefore we acknowledge and care about their well-being. The veterans have made an indelible mark on our nation, and their legacy will endure for generations knowing that they have made a difference that will never be forgotten.

ARFRO is also a member of the Organization of Professionals Association (OPA) of Sri Lanka and functions in close liaison with the Ministry of Defence and the three service Commanders.

The motto of ARFRO is “Pro Patria” which means “for one’s country” in Latin.