01st July 2025 09:18:03 Hours
Major General A.M.C. Abeykoon RWP RSP USP ndc assumed duties as the new General Officer Commanding (GOC) of the 54 Infantry Division during a brief but dignified ceremony held at the Division Headquarters premises in Mannar on Sunday, 29 June 2025.
In accordance with military traditions, Major General Chandra Abeykoon was received a Guard Turnout upon his arrival. As the first segment of the day's proceedings, he paid tribute to the memory of fallen war heroes at the Division War Heroes’ Monument. Thereafter, he was invited to receive the salute of the Guard of Honour presented by troops of the 8th Battalion, Vijayabahu Infantry Regiment.
The new General Officer Commanding then arrived at his office and officially assumed his new responsibilities by placing his signature in the official document, amidst religious blessings conducted in Buddhist, Catholic, Islamic, and Hindu traditions.
To commemorate the occasion, Major General Abeykoon posed for a group photograph with Senior Officers and Officers serving under the Division Headquarters and planted a sapling in front of the 54 Infantry Division Office Complex.
Outlining his vision and expectations, the General Officer Commanding addressed the Officers and Other Ranks, urging them to perform their duties with dedication and uphold the highest standards of discipline. He later shared a cup of tea with all ranks, further strengthening the bond of unity and fellowship.
Following the formal proceedings, Major General Abeykoon attended a comprehensive operational briefing conducted by the Colonel General Staff and the Senior Intelligence Officer of the 54 Infantry Division. The day concluded with a lunch at the Officers' Mess, where he interacted with officers in an informal setting.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by the Commanders of the 541, 542, and 543 Infantry Brigades, Commanding Officers, Senior Officers, Officers, and Other Ranks.
