Lieutenant General H.L.V.M Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, more popularly known as Vikum Liyanage assumed duties as the 24th Commander of the Army on Wednesday (1) during a formal ceremony at the Army Headquarters.

On his arrival at the Army Headquarters, a Guard Turnout, presented by Gajaba Regiment troops saluted him in accordance with military traditions after the Commander of the Headquarters Brigade, Brigadier Indika Perera formally received him.

Deputy Chief of Staff, Major General Jagath Kodithuwakku afterwards warmly greeted the Commander as he arrived at the parade ground and requested him to take the salute of the Guard of Honour from the special dais. Major General Swarna Bothota, Adjutant General of the Army afterwards conducted the day’s Chief Guest to the special dais.

The next segment of the day’s ceremony saw the Parade Commander, Captain S.R.V.K.S Bandara of the Gajaba Regiment, holding the symbolic sword, reported the parade, comprised of 2 Officers and 48 Other Ranks to the day’s Chief Guest and invited him to review the Guard of Honour to suit age-old military traditions.

The event scenario, set in the background of fluttering all colourful Regimental flags, added grandeur and significance to the day’s brief, but dignified event to the rhythmic beats and melodies of patriotic sentiments, played by parade troops as the new Commander, went past reviewing the military honours, along with the Parade Commander.

After a while, the Commander arrived at the entrance to the Commander’s Secretariat at the Army Headquarters, to be received by Principal Staff Officers and senior Officers, awaiting his arrival. Upon arrival at the Commander’s office, the new Commander made floral offerings to the Buddha.

A few minutes later, offer of the traditional ‘Deheth Wattiya’ (tray of betel) to Ven Dr Aluthnuwara Soratha Thero, Incumbent at Kotte Raja Maha Vihara, Dr Kirinde Assaji Nayaka Thero, Viharadhikari, Gangaramaya and members of the Maha Sangha invited to commence religious blessings. It also paved the way for Ven Eethalawetunuwewe Gnanathilake Thero, Chief Incumbent of Mirisawetiya Raja Maha Viharaya to deliver a brief oration (Anusasana) highlighting the importance of the office of the Commander and the occasion.

As chanting of ‘Seth Pirith’ was on, the new Commander afterwards, flanked by his wife, Mrs Janaki Liyanage and family members signed a formal document to signify the acceptance of the office of the Commander of the Army.

Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage afterwards received blessings of the clergy of all denominations and culminated the brief ceremony with the offer of ‘Pirikara’ and gifts to members of the Maha Sangha and other clergies of Catholic, Hindu and Islamic denominations.

Here follows a brief profile of the new Commander of the Army;

Lieutenant General HLVM Liyanage RWP RSP ndu has been appointed as the 24th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, effective from 01 June 2022 by His Excellency the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in his capacity as the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces after he was elevated to the rank of Lieutenant General with effect from the same date.

Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, prior to his new appointment was serving as the Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army. He is the most Senior Officer in the Army as at present next to the outgoing Commander.

Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage as an Officer Cadet joined the Regular Force of the Sri Lanka Army on 27 October 1986 in the Regular Intake - 26 and followed basic military training at the prestigious Sri Lanka Military Academy at Diyatalawa and subsequently at Pakistan Military Academy. Upon successful completion of Officer Cadet training, he was commissioned in the rank of Second Lieutenant and was posted to the Gajaba Regiment.

During his 35 years of illustrious military career, he has held a number of significant command, staff and instructional appointments, including Platoon Commander, Company Commander and Adjutant of 4th Gajaba Regiment. In the Eastern theatre of operations, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage performed a commendable role contributing to the eradication of terrorism from the region. He was also the Intelligence Officer of 21 and 55 Infantry Divisions, Second in Command of 14th Gajaba Regiment, Adjutant of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Staff Officer II (Admin) at Regimental Centre of the Gajaba Regiment, Second in Command of 10th Gajaba Regiment, Staff Officer II at Directorate of Staff Duties, Commanding Officer of 8th Gajaba Regiment during which Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage with his troops in the ‘rice bowl’ of Mannar made progress and advanced into terrorist-held areas in impressive operations.

Brigade Commander (Overlooking) of 225 and 553 Infantry Brigades, Sector Commander at Operations Command Colombo, Brigade Commander of 215, 542, 224, 221 and 623 Infantry Brigades, Director (Doctrine & Training) and Director (Operations & Systems) at the Office of the Chief of Defence Staff (OCDS), Commandant of Combat Training School (Ampara), Director General of Psychological Operations, General Officer Commanding of 21 Infantry Division, Commander Security Forces - West, Commander Security Forces - Central, Colonel of the Regiment of Sri Lanka National Guard, Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force and the Chairman of Sri Lanka Army Wushu Committee.

Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage was able to widen his horizons through the experience gained over the years from respective appointments in his office and through further training he underwent. He has successfully followed a number of local courses, including the Internal Security/ Counter-Revolution Warfare Course at Army Training School (Maduru Oya), Method of Instructions Course at Sri Lanka Military Academy, Forward Observation Officer Course at School of Artillery (Minneriya), Battalion Support Weapon Course at Infantry Training Centre (Minneriya), Platoon Commanders’ Refresher Course at Army Training School (Maduru Oya), Company Commanders’ Refresher Course at Army Headquarters, Unit Security Officers’ Course at Military Intelligence Corps, Management & Leadership Development Course at General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University, Basic Mediation Skills & Process (UNHCR) course at 21 Division and Multinational Platoon Exercise-3 at Kukuleganga.

To his credit, he has also followed many overseas courses, workshops and seminars of professional value, including Officers’ Physical Training Course in India, Young Officers’ Course in Pakistan, Junior Command Course in India, Unit Commanders’ Course in Bangladesh, Senior Command Course in India, Advanced Security Cooperation Programme in Hawai and Regular Education Programme at National Institute of Lemhannas in Indonesia.

Further, he holds a Masters’ degree in Strategic and Resilience Studies from Lemhannas University, Indonesia and a degree on ‘Global Security in Indo-Pacific Region’ from Asia-Pacific Centre for Security Studies in Hawai. In addition, he has received a Diploma in Defence Management from the University of Indore in India.

During the peak of the final humanitarian operation, General Vikum Liyanage commanded the 8 Gajaba Regiment of victorious 57 and 56 Divisions which were actively conducting operations. He was able to achieve many victories against the LTTE. Over and above, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage who has actively taken part in operations against the LTTE has been adorned with gallantry awards of Rana Wickrama Padakkama (RWP) for individual or associated acts of bravery in the face of the enemy and performed voluntarily. He was also decorated with the Rana Sura Padakkama (RSP) for distinguished conduct in the face of the enemy. The Senior Officer was awarded above medals thrice during his military career for being a pioneer in eradicating terrorism during North and East Humanitarian Operations. Further, he is a recipient of Desha Puthra Padakkama for being wounded whilst on operations due to enemy action. Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage has also received service decorations such as East Humanitarian Operation Medal, North Humanitarian Operation Medal, Purna Bhumi Padakkama, North and East Operation Medal, Riviresa Campaign Service Medal, 50th Independence Anniversary Commemoration Medal, Sri Lanka Army 50th Anniversary Medal, Long Service Medal, Seva Abhimani Medal and Service Medal.

During his school career, he shone in athletics and hockey as a bright student and received accolades for the school, Vijaya College in Matale.

Similarly, the honorary title of ‘Janamanya Vibhutiratna’ in the Buddhist Monastic Order of Amarapura Chapter was conferred in recognition of his immense contribution for fostering of the Buddha Sasana. He is married to Mrs. Janaki Jayaratne and blessed with a daughter and a son. 

Acting Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva was appointed today as the new Chief of Defence Staff.

He will take office with effect from tomorrow (June 01).

The official letter in this regard was handed over to him by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the President’s House, Colombo, today (31).

Former Army Commander and Acting Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva has been appointed as the new Chief of Defence Staff following the relinquishment of his office as the Army Commander today (31). 

Major General Vikum Liyanage has been appointed as the new Commander of Sri Lanka Army by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Major General Liyanage is the 24th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and he has received the letter of appointment from the President. He succeeds General Shavendra Silva who served as the Commander of the Army for nearly three years. 

The functioning of the Parliament has been paralyzed due to the weakening of the Parliamentary powers by the 20th Amendment. The Executive has been given more powers, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said making a special statement yesterday afternoon.

The full statement: Today, the main issues in our country are not limited to the economic sphere. There are also two major issues in the political sphere. The re-introduction of the 19th Amendment is one of these issues. We, as Party leaders, are now preparing the 21 st Amendment in this regard.

The timing and methodology must be decided by the Party Leaders. The functioning of the Parliament has been paralyzed due to the weakening of the Parliamentary powers by the 20th Amendment. The Executive has been given more powers. The main allegation today is that the Parliament has not acted to prevent the economic crisis. There is an allegation that even though the ruling party had a majority in Parliament they neglected the work of Parliament.

Everything was systematically controlled by the Cabinet Ministers.

We do not always have to look at what happened in the past, but there are examples we can follow. Before the independence of Sri Lanka, there was a State Council from 1931 to 1947. That State Council functioned following the committee system. Each subject was divided into seven committees. The Chairmen of the Committees became Ministers. The seven Ministers had formed a Cabinet. In addition, there were three officials appointed by the Governor. In addition, there was an Accounts Committee to control public money. At that time we had the opportunity to carry out this methodology successfully.

Now we need to change the structure of Parliament and create a new system by combining the existing system of Parliament or the Westminster system and the system of State Councils. In those cases, Parliament can participate in governing the country.

First of all, the existing laws need to be strengthened in order to give those powers to Parliament in the exercise of monetary powers. Following the example of countries such as the United Kingdom, New Zealand and India, we are proposing a stronger and more powerful law. At present, there are three Committees on Government Finance. The three Committees are the Public Finance Committee, the Accounts Committee and the Committee on Public Enterprises. Leader of the House Dinesh Gunawardena has made several proposals to strengthen the powers of these three Committees.

In addition, we are bringing recommendations forward. We are working to establish two new Committees on Monetary Affairs. We will appoint a Legal and Methodological Committee to look into the matter. Secondly, the main problem we face is the financial condition of the banks and financial institutions. There are a number of issues that have been weakened. Under our Standing Order 111, we can appoint oversight committees. No oversight committees have been appointed before. Therefore, we propose to appoint ten oversight committees. They also report to Parliament on policies. Parliament should act on that.

It should also be noted that the chairpersons of these five Finance Committees and the Ten Supervisory Committees are appointed by backbenchers. They are not appointed by Ministers. Therefore, we have the opportunity to work out a methodology that is independent of the Cabinet of Ministers and works with both the Minister and the Parliament. The youth are calling for a change in the existing system. They also want to know the current issues. Therefore, I propose to appoint four youth representatives to each of these 15 committees. One of them will be appointed by the Youth Parliament. The other three will be from the protesting groups and other activist groups. The methodology used to choose these individuals can be decided by the youth organizations themselves.

In addition, we hope to involve people with expertise in specific fields in this work. Through this work, young people will be able to learn about problems and provide solutions to them on their own. They will be able to contest elections if they wish to do so.

We also propose a National Council. A committee consisting of the Speaker, the Prime Minister, and the Leader of the Opposition and the leaders of the major parties is called the National Council.

It should be said that the National Council is very important. The National Council can talk about the policies of the country. It can also talk about the decisions of the Cabinet. It can also talk about the reorganization of the Parliament of this country. If so, it can be called a political body. The National Council has the right to summon the Cabinet of Ministers and the Chairmen of Committees.

According to the new system, we have proposed, the President will be held accountable to the Parliament. The Cabinet of Ministers is also accountable to Parliament. The National Council is also accountable to Parliament. Fifteen Committees and Oversight Committees are accountable to Parliament.

There is a system in place to control the Government through the Cabinet, to examine the work of the President, to oversee the work of the political affairs through the National Council, and to oversee the financial affairs and other matters of the other fifteen committees. There are articles prepared on this matter. I appreciate that a number of other organizations have made similar proposals.

Sri Lanka's Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe has been appointed as Finance Minister on May 25 by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Prime Minister Wickremesinghe, sworn in as the Minister of Finance, Economic Stability and National Policies.

Secretary of Ministry of Mass Media Anusha Palpita assumed duties today (25) at the Ministry of Mass Media. He took over his appointment letter as the Secretary of the Ministry of Mass Media yesterday (24) before President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Mr. Anusha Palpita is a senior administrative officer, who has experience in several fields in the state sector. 

The Government is not a pro-Rajapaksa Government at all, says the Cabinet Spokesperson Minister Bandula Gunawardane.

While briefing the decisions taken on the cabinet discussion (24), Minister Gunawardane denied the statement which is meant as the current Government is a pro-Rajapaksa Government.

While responding to the question raised by a journalist, Minister said, that it is not a Rajapaksa Government, however, it is a Government made of Ministers who stepped up to take up responsibilities as Independent MPs. Therefore cabinet of ministers is now focusing on the current challenges faced by people, he stated.

The draft of the 21st Amendment to the Constitution was presented to the Cabinet of Ministers on Monday (23).

The Cabinet took the decision to distribute copies of the draft amendment amongst the Parliament Party Leaders for their observations. This will be discussed on Friday (27). Following this, the draft amendment is expected to send back to Cabinet for final approval, said Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. 

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday (23) appointed a new cabinet Spokesperson and three Co-Cabinet spokespersons. Dr.Bandula Gunawardane, Minister of Mass Media, Transport and Highways has been appointed as the Cabinet spokesperson.

The three Co-Cabinet spokespersons are Mahinda Amaraweera –Minister of Agriculture, Wildlife and wildlife Conservation, Manusha Nanayakkara, Minister of Labor and Foreign Employment and Kanchana Wijesekera, Minister of power and Energy, the Government Information Department said.

The new Minister of Mass Media Dr.Bandula Gunawardane assumed duties at the Ministry of Mass Media yesterday. Dr.Gunawardane has held the same portfolio previously. He has also been appointed as the Minister of Transport and Highways in addition to the post of Minister of Mass Media. Secretary to the Ministry of Mass Media Anusha Palpita and other Ministry officials were also present on this occasion.

Eight new cabinet ministers were appointed by Sri Lanka President Gotabaya Rajapaksa on Monday (23). The following MPs were sworn in as ministers Monday morning before President Rajapaksa.

Douglas Devananda: Minister of Fisheries

Bandula Gunawardane: Minister of Transport & Highways, and Mass Media

Keheliya Rambukwella: Minister of Water Supply

Mahinda Amaraweera: Minister of Agriculture, and Forest Resources and Wildlife

Ramesh Pathirana: Minister of Industries

Vidura Wickramanayake: Minister of Buddhashasana, Religious, and Cultural Affairs

Ahamed Naseer: Minister of Environment

Roshan Ranasinghe: Minister of Irrigation, Sports and Youth Affairs.

Member of Parliament Hon.Dr.Bandula Guawardane has been appointed as the Minister of Mass Media. He took over his appointment letter from President Gotabaya Rajapaksa at the presidential secretariat today (23). Dr.Gunawardane has held the same portfolio previously. He has also been appointed as the Minister of Transport and Highways in addition to the post of Minister of Mass Media.