(MENAFN- Colombo Gazette)

Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage took office today as the 24th Commander of the Sri Lankan Army at Army Headquarters.

On his arrival at the army headquarters, a guard dress was presented by the Gajaba regiment in accordance with military traditions.

Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage has been appointed as the 24th Commander of the Sri Lankan Army by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

He received his official nomination letter from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the President’s House, Colombo yesterday.

Vikum Liyanage, the highest ranking officer in the army was elevated to the rank of Lieutenant General from today (June 1) with the assumption of duty as army commander.

Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage as an Officer Cadet joined the Sri Lankan Army on 27 October 1986 and underwent basic military training at the prestigious Sri Lanka Military Academy in Diyatalawa and later at the Military Academy from Pakistan. After successfully completing cadet training, he was promoted to the rank of second lieutenant and assigned to the Gajaba regiment.

During his 35 years of illustrious military career, he held a number of important command, staff and training positions, including Platoon Commander, Company Commander and Warrant Officer 4th regiment of Gajaba. Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage has been able to broaden his horizons through the experience gained over the years during his respective appointments in his office and through the additional training he has undergone.

At the height of the last humanitarian operation, General Vikum Liyanage commanded the 8 Gajaba Regiment of the victorious 57 and 56 divisions which were actively conducting operations. He was able to score many victories against the LTTE.

Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage who actively participated in the operations against the LTTE was decorated with Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) gallantry awards. He was also decorated with the Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP).

The senior officer was awarded the above medals three times during his military career for pioneering the eradication of terrorism in humanitarian operations in the North and East. Additionally, he is a recipient of Desha Puthra Padakkama. Lt. Gen. Vikum Liyanage also received service decorations such as Eastern Humanitarian Operation Medal, Northern Humanitarian Operation Medal, Purna Bhumi Padakkama, Northern Operation Medal and of the East, the Riviresa Campaign Service Medal, the 50th Anniversary of Independence Commemoration Medal, the Sri Lankan Army 50th Anniversary Medal, Long Service Medal, Seva Abhimani Medal and Medal of the service. (Colombo Official Gazette)

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