News
157 more ‘Maroon Berets’ join Commando Regiment
A batch of 157 Commandos of the Army, specialised in amphibious landings, parachuting or abseiling and taking out unconventional high-value targets, received their prestigious insignia as ‘maroon berets’ at Uva-Kudaoya Commando Regiment Training School (CRTS) premises on Saturday (19). Their ceremonial passing-out parade (PoP), was attended by General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army.
Thirteen officers and 144 soldiers of 48 D & E 2022 batches of the Commando Regiment, after their training that spanned 18 months, showcased their capabilities and operational techniques in the presence of Senior Officers, parents and well-wishers
The day’s Chief Guest General Shavendra Silva, on arrival at the location, was received by Major General Krishantha Gnanaratne, Colonel of the Regiment, Commando Regiment in the company of Brigadier Vijitha Hettiarachchi, Commander, Commando Brigade, Colonel Kamal Dharmawardena, Center Commandant of Commando Regiment HQ and Colonel Janaka Samarasekara, Commandant of the CRTS.
The ‘Maroon Berets’ were awarded by General Shavendra Silva, together with Major General Krishantha Gnanaratne, Colonel of the Regiment, Commando Regiment and Major General Anil Samarasiri, General Officer Commanding 65 Division
The presentation of appreciative trophies and certificates to graduates who did exceptionally well and excelled during the 18-month-long Commando training course was also held. Accordingly, the Award for the Best Commando and the Best Shooter of the Course was presented to Lieutenant T. M. C. M. B Thennakoon who did extremely well while the Best Physical Award was awarded to Second Lieutenant C. L Jayathunga amidst roars of applause.
Family members pinning the insignia
General Silva said that the Commandos were among the most admired and highly respected in the nation.
“It is not an easy task to be a Commando for it needs sustained courage and enthusiasm. I myself being a former Colonel of the Regiment of Commando Regiment, Commando Brigade Commander and the General Officer Commanding 58 Division during Wanni Humanitarian Operations experienced the uniqueness of the Commandos and how much they were dedicated to the cause. Remember you are just entering the start of a new journey after comprehensive training by further enhancing your skills, despite challenges, “he commented.
The commandoes staged sniper demonstrations, fighting techniques, VIP protection displays, hostage rescue and counter-terrorism demonstration, firing demonstration, Man vs. Man Shooting demonstration, K9 (War Dogs)-handling display and Free-fall Parachute Display.
Invitees, Veterans, Senior Officers including Major General Vikum Liyanage, Chief of Staff, Major General Jagath Kodithuwakku, Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General Channa Weerasooriya, Commandant Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force, Officers and a gathering of ORs were present at the day’s Passing out Parade.
The official appointment letters for the members of the newly established “Cricket Transformation Committee” (CTC) were handed over on Monday (04) by the Minister of Youth Affairs and Sports, Sunil Kumara Gamage.
The following members received their letters of appointment at the Ministry premises:
Sidath Wettimuny
Thushira Radella
Prakash Schaffter
Ms. Avanthi Colombage
The Ministry also noted that veteran cricketers Roshan Mahanama and Kumar Sangakkara, who are key members of the committee, are currently overseas. Their official appointments will be formalised immediately upon their arrival in Sri Lanka.
The Cricket Transformation Committee has been mandated to oversee the administration and drive structural reforms within Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) in accordance with the powers vested in the Minister under the Sports Act No. 25 of 1973.
Three prison guards attached to the Welikada Prison have been arrested by Borella Police following the death of an inmate on Monday (04).
‘Bar Association must reveal its stand’
Civil society group ‘Free Lawyers’ has requested Chief Justice Preethi Padman Surasena to probe whether political pressure was brought on a Magistrate, or a High Court Judge, in respect of an ongoing high profile case.
Speaking to The Island on behalf of ‘Free Lawyers,’ Rajith Keerthi Tennakoon said that they felt the urgent need to seek the CJ’s intervention, following the May Day declaration by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake that the verdict of a case that was heard on 30 April would be given on 25 May. Tennakoon said that addressing the NPP’s main May Day rally at Maharagama, the President asked the people to be ready to celebrate that verdict. The President couldn’t have said so if he hadn’t been aware of the impending verdict, Tennakoon said, while emphasising the responsibility on the part of the Bar Association to state its position on the issue.
‘Free Lawyers’ recently captured pubic attention following its exposure of the theft of USD 2.5 mn from the Treasury.
Responding to a query, Tennakoon said that on behalf of ‘Free Lawyers,’ Maithri Gunaratne, PC, on Monday, 4 April, wrote to both CJ Surasena and President of the Bar Association Rajeev Amarasuriya.
Alleging that President Dissanayake’s declaration caused immense harm to the independence of the judiciary and raised controversy over the judgement that would be given on 25 May, ‘Free Lawyers’ organisation also asked the CJ to inquire into whether the entire judicial process was under political pressure.
Tennakoon said that they expect the Bar Association to reveal its position on President Dissanayake’s statement. Tennakoon pointed out that during the May Day address, President Dissanayake made reference to 15 cases that were to be taken up during this month, whereas Transport, Highways and Urban Development Minister, as well as Leader of the House Bimal Rathnayake, mentioned nearly 10 names of politicians, both sitting and former lawmakers, to be summoned beginning, May.
Tennakoon said that the NPP appeared to have used May Day to counter growing accusations over the Colombo port container controversy, coal scam, Rs 13.2 bn NDB fraud and theft of USD 2.5 mn from the Treasury and USD 625,000 from the Sri Lanka Postal Service.
By Shamindra Ferdinando
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