Strengthening Bonds and Standards: Colonel Commandant’s Inspiring Visit to 15 SLA, 10 SLA, and 14 SLA

The Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force and Colonel Commandant of the Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery, Major General K V N P Premaratne RSP USP nps psc, undertook an official visit to 15 SLA (Balalla), 10 SLA (Mudungoda), and 14 SLA (Kalankuttiya) on 18 July 2025.

The visit was further graced by the presence of Brigadier T G I A Ariyarathna RSP IG, Commander of the Artillery Brigade, and Brigadier C D Welagedara USP IG, Centre Commandant of the Regimental Headquarters, Sri Lanka Artillery, highlighting the significance of the occasion.

Upon arrival at 15 SLA, the Senior Officer was honoured with a guard turnout and warmly received by the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel M K R Bandara psc SLA. The visit unfolded through a sequence of events, including the planting of a sapling, group photograph, Commanding Officers’ briefing, troop address, camp inspection, and a cordial session with the troops.

A special highlight of the visit was the presentation of a memento to the Colonel Commandant by the Commanding Officer and all ranks of the 15 Drone Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery a gesture of deep appreciation for his leadership and continued support. The event concluded with the Colonel Commandant penning his thoughts in the Visitors’ Book, marking the visit as both reflective and forward-looking.

The second leg of the visit took place at the 10th Medium Regiment, where Colonel S P R S Palliyaguru RSP psc IG SLA, the Commanding Officer, extended a warm welcome. A major focus here was the inspection of the Gun Park, where the Colonel Commandant closely assessed the readiness and technical upkeep of artillery assets emphasizing the importance of the maintenance of guns.

The final engagement of the day was with the 14th Rocket Regiment at Kalankuttiya. The Colonel Commandant was received by Lieutenant Colonel D A K S Somaweera USP psc SLA, the Commanding Officer. Echoing the earlier regimental visits, the programme featured a guard turnout, sapling planting, group photograph, briefing, troop address, and interaction with troops. The visit included a meticulous inspection of the MBRL - Vehicle Yard, reflecting the Colonel Commandant’s focus on maintaining and operational capability of the Regiment’s rocket artillery systems.

In a gesture of respect and gratitude, the Commanding Officer and all ranks of the 14 SLA also presented a memento to the Colonel Commandant, further reinforcing the shared spirit of unity and admiration across all three regiments.

This official visit was a powerful reaffirmation of the values that define the Sri Lanka Artillery discipline, professionalism, and unity. It inspired the troops, strengthened regimental ties, and underscored the unwavering standards expected in the Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery.