Retired General Mahesh Senanayake : 4 decade military service

COLOMBO (News 1st) -  It would be disrespecting for one to not look back on the 40-year illustrious career of the retired Sri Lanka Army Commander, General Mahesh Senanayake. General Mahesh Senanayake, a past pupil of Ananda College Colombo, was enlisted to the Sri Lanka Army in 1981 as a cadet officer and in 1983, passed out as 1st in order of merit, while also winning the Sword of Honour. General Mahesh Senanayake who was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, volunteered for an inter-unit transfer and joined the Regiment of Special Forces as a founding member, from the Sri Lanka Army Plant Engineer Regiment in 1989. He was actively involved in all operations in the North and East and was also instrumental in introducing the Long Range Reconnaissance Patrol concept to the Sri Lanka Army. General Senanayake has held a number of appointments, including the extra regimental employment at the Sri Lanka Military Academy as an Officer Instructor. He also served as the Regimental Center Commandant of the Special Forces Regiment, Commander 211 Infantry Brigade - Vavuniya, Commander Special Forces Brigade and the General Officer Commanding 52 Division - Varani, Jaffna. He also held the position of Director of the Army Command and Staff College and Director of Planning at the Army Headquarters during the decisive period of the humanitarian operation, after he was promoted to the rank of Brigadier. In February 2015, he was appointed the Military Secretary at the Army Headquarters and subsequently served as the Commander of the security forces in Jaffna before being appointed the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army. On July 4, 2017, he was appointed the 22nd Commander of the Sri Lanka Army. General Mahesh Senanayake is a graduate of the prestigious United States Army Command and General Staff College and also holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from the Jawaharlal Nehru University of India. In recognition of his gallantry and his bravery in the face of the enemy during the operations, General Senanayake has been awarded medals such as Rana Wickrama, Rana Soora, Wishishta Sewa Vibhushana and the Uththama Seva medal for his unblemished services in the Army. Following the end of the 30-year civil war, he led the Sri Lanka Army in the face of international pressure and contributed to the upliftment of civilian life in the North and East. Gen. Mahesh Senanayake, who guided the Sri Lanka Army to ensure national security following the 04/21 attacks, has always been committed to safeguarding unity and harmony among communities. General Mahesh Senanayake made bold and enlightening statements in his service time. "There is no segregation of race, religion or colour within the Sri Lanka Army. We protect the country as one." "Providing security is my duty. I have ensured safety and security in the country." "We will act in a manner which would reiterate to all communities in the country that they will be provided security without any discrimination." General Mahesh Senanayake who strengthened the Sri Lanka Army by inculcating modern technology into its operations, retired from the post of Commander of the Sri Lanka Army yesterday, bidding farewell to an illustrious career which spanned nearly 4 decades. It is certain that the people of Sri Lanka will undoubtedly remember the service he rendered to his motherland, during his tenure.

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