Retired Flag Rank Officers holds 27th AGM

Pictures show some of the memorable moments at the AGM of the Association of Retired Flag Rank Officers held recently at the Regimental Officers’ Mess of the Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police, Polhengoda, Colombo 5

The Association of Retired Flag Rank Officers (ARFRO) held its 27th Annual General Meeting (AGM) recently at the Regimental Officers’ Mess of the Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police, Polhengoda, Colombo 5. 

The event was conducted with great dignity and camaraderie, drawing together distinguished members of the nation’s retired senior military leadership. 

The AGM was graced by the Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General K. P. A. Jayasekera (Retd), and several former Commanders of the tri-services, which included General C. S. Weerasooriya, Admiral D. W. K. Sandagiri, General R. M. D. Ratnayake, Admiral Jayanath Colombage, and Air Chief Marshal G. P. Bulathsinghala. Their participation not only added prestige to the  proceedings, but also reflected their continued commitment to the service community. 

Over 55 Flag Rank Officers, who are Life Members of the Association, were in attendance, underscoring the enduring bonds of military fraternity. 

The Association was established in 1996 on the visionary ingenuity of the late General Deshamanya J. E. D. Perera VSV, and has grown steadily in both stature and purpose. As of today, the Association boasts a membership of 358 retired flag rank officers from the tri-services. Membership is open to all officers of the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka who has retired in the ranks of Brigadier, Commodore, Air Commodore, or above. 

ARFRO’s primary objective remains to provide a respected and inclusive forum for senior retired officers to engage in meaningful dialogue, preserve shared values, and foster a sense of mutual respect and camaraderie—an ethos deeply embedded in military tradition. 

The Association not only maintains these bonds but also serves as a knowledge-sharing platform that supports national development and thought leadership.

A key feature of ARFRO’s ongoing work is its commitment to advancing professional discourse on subjects of strategic and national importance. 

Through seminars, lectures, and engagements with domain experts, the Association enables its members—and, on occasion, young serving officers in training—to gain valuable insight and perspective on issues that influence both military and civilian spheres.

Equally commendable is ARFRO’s commitment to social responsibility. 

Through the Ranaviru Family Counselling and Support Service (RFCSS), the Association extends support to the families and dependents of service personnel who were Killed in Action (KIA) or listed as Missing in Action (MIA). 

These efforts are designed to ensure that the families of fallen heroes are not left in hardship and continue to feel valued and supported. In addition, the Association provides a limited number of scholarships to children of these families, helping them pursue higher education without financial strain. The 27th Annual General Meeting served not only as a reaffirmation of ARFRO’s noble objectives but also as a celebration of unity, continuity, and enduring service beyond active duty. With growing membership and deepening relevance, ARFRO continues to stand as a beacon of leadership, integrity, and national service.

Air Chief Marshal G. P. Bulathsinghala was re-elected for the third consecutive year at this AGM.

In addition to the following officers were elected to the committee, for the year 2025/2026:

• President: Air Chief Marshal G. P. Bulathsinghala RWP RSP VSV USP 
• Imm. Past President: Major General L. C .R. Goonewardena RSP VSV USP 
• Vice Presidents: Major General M.D.S. Chandrapala RWP RSP VSV USP
• Rear Admiral Rear Admiral A. V. Abeyasena
• Hony. Secretary: Air Vice Marshal J. P. Wanigatunga VSV USP
• Hony. Treasurer: Major General M. S. C. Perera USP
• Chairman, RFCSS: Surg. Rear Admiral N. E. L. W. Jayasekera VSV USP

Committee Members: 

(1) Maj. General N. Jayasuriya RWP RSP (2) Major 

General W. G. M. U. R. Perera USP (3) Major General G. S. Padumadasa VSV USP (4) Major General R. V. Udawatta (5) Rear Admiral H. S. Rathnakeerthi VSV USP  (6) Rear Admiral A. R. Amarasinghe RSP VSV USP (7) Rear Admiral W.M.P.L. Weerasinghe VSV USP (8) Rear Admiral A. Wijesiriwardane RWP RSP &7 Bars 

USP (9) Air Vice Marshal O. D. N. L. Perera RWP VSV USP (10) Air Vice Marshal K. Yahampath VSV USP (11) Air Vice Marshal A.E.W. Wijesuriya USP (12) Maj. Gen M .A. M. Peiris USP

In addition, the undermentioned members were co-opted into the EXCO for specific tasks: General S C Weerasooriya RWP RSP VSV USP – Advisor, S Maj Gen Dr. K .D. P .Perera USP-Advisor to RFCS, Air Vice Marshal V.D.A. Dissanayake VSV -Advisor to Journal Editor, Maj. Gen V .U. B. Nanayakkara VSV USP -Membership Drive, Maj. Gen N .M. Hettiarachchi VSV USP -`Web Development, Brigadier R. M. Jayasinghe USP – Editor ARFRO Journal, Brigadier P. C. Boteju - Accounts. Air Commodore A M Gamachari USP-RFCSS guideline development.