SECRETARY DEFENCE felicitated by his former regiment
July 27, 2019Secretary to the Ministry of Defence General SHS Kottegoda(Rtd)WWV RWP RSP VSV usp ndu was accorded a grand felicitation by his former Regiment, Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI) when he made a visit to the Regimental Headquarters in Panagoda, today (27 July 2019).
The Secretary was received by Colonel of the Regiment Maj Gen LM Mudalige up on his arrival at the Regimental Headquarters.
The Secretary was accorded a drive past and Guard of Honour by the Officers and Other Ranks of the Regiment. Later he visited the War Hero Monument there and made floral tribute and paid respect to memory of all fallen War Heroes.
Secretary Defence joined the CLI as it was known then as an Officer after completing training as a Cadet Officer. During his 36 year long distinguished and prestigious military career he had held many important appointments which culminated with him taking over the command of the Sri Lanka Army in 2004. During his career as an Army officer he had contributed immensely to the development of his Regiment. As Colonel Commandant and then as Colonel of the Regiment and finally as the Army Commander he made his Regiment proud with his achievements.
During his visit, the Secretary Defence was hosted for tea by the Warrant Officers and Sergeants of the Regiment at their Mess. The Secretary made it a point to talk with the NCOs during the occasion.
Later in the evening the Secretary, accompanied by Mrs. Sonia Kottegoda graced a dinner, hosted by the Officers, with their presence at the Officers' Mess. The Secretary interacted with the retired and serving Officers of the Regiment who were present at the occasion.
Mrs Krishani Mudalige Chairperson of Seva Vanitha Branch SLLI, Senior Officers, retired Senior Officers and their spouses were also present at the Mess Dinner.
The SLLI accorded it highest felicitation to one of its heroes who had reached the pinnacle in the defence establishment from joining the SLLI as a young officer. He has held all appointments during his rise through the ranks, a rare opportunity for an officer of the Army. As an exceptional officer he made sweeping changes in his Regiment as the Colonel of the Regiment and later in the Army as the Commander to enhance efficiency and uplift the welfare of the personnel.
The knowledge, training and experience he had accumulated over the years had a far reaching effect on his decisions as the Commander who laid a firm foundation and set the background for the final humanitarian operation which ultimately rid the country of the scourge or terrorism that plagued the nation for three decades.
Soon after assuming office as the Secretary Defence he immediately took all measures to ensure security of the country post Easter Sunday carnage. He has taken special interest to find lasting solutions to issues faced by War Hero and their families. The wealth of experience and friendly ties he had built during his years as a successful diplomat will no doubt provide a fillip to enhance defence ties with other nations.
