I would prefer to choose this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to you for selecting me as the new President of the Gemunu Watch Ex Servicemen Regimental Association for the successive period of 2009-2010.

I joined the 1^st Battalion Gemunu Watch in 1992 as a Second Lieutenant on being commissioned and rose up gradually to the rank of a Major General in 2000.

I commenced my carrier as a platoon Commander and retired as a Commanding General. During this period I had the opportunity of holding the appointments of Company Commander, Battalion Commander, Brigade Commander, Divisional Commander and the Colonel of the Regiment in addition to numerous staff appointments. I attribute all these achievements to the experience, maturity and knowledge gained whilst serving through the direction, guidance, advice and encouragement conferred upon me by the Senior Officers and colleagues of the Gemunu Regiment. I am proud again, even after my retirement, to be the recipient of the chance to serve ex servicemen of my own regiment.

I have had the opportunity to be involved in various activities of our Regimental Ex Servicemen Association as an office bearer since 2005. The experience and the immense knowledge of the activities of the Association gained as a committee member during 2005 to 2006 and as a vice President in 2007 have given me confidence and created very positive environs to work with dedication and commitment in the new appointment.

The Gemunu Watch Ex Servicemen Regimental Association was inaugurated in 1987 under the patronage of Brigadier JF Halangode who was also the father of our Regiment. It is my prime duty to remember the dedication and tiresome efforts offered with great enthusiasm by Lieutenant Ranjith Kaluarachchi, General Lalin Fernando, and Captain Richy Bandara, Lt .Col Sunil Peiris and Mr. Speering towards establishing the Gemunu Watch Ex Servicemen Regimental Association. I also take this opportunity to extend my sincere gratitude to the past Presidents namely Brigadier J F Halangode, Major General L T Fernando, Colonel S D Peiris, Major General W R Wijerathne USP, Major General W M P Fernando USP, Brigadier H N Hallangode RWP RSP USP for their great contribution towards upgrading and developing the GWESRA to what it is today. I also remember all the committee members who had been constantly extending their fullest support and cooperation to their Presidents to achieve this rapid progress.

The vision of GWESRA isto care and promote comradeship amongst all retired and resigned Gemunu Watch Ex-Servicemen. I as the President would like to reiterate that we are committed to foster comradeship and espirit de corps amongst all Gemunu Watch Ex-Servicemen and their families by caring and safeguarding their welfare, interest and memories as part of the ex-service community.

I, as the new President have determined to look forward to get on with my portfolio granting priority to following projects in the current year.

• To increase the membership.

• To built up the monetary, stability of the Association.

• To establish/open GWESRA branches in selected areas.

• To expedite and finalize the construction work of the proposed chalet at Bolagala Elders Home.

• To organize a minimum of four medical clinics through GWESRA branch Associations.

• To introduce a much productive and beneficial insurance schemes for members.

• To speed up and complete the construction work of the proposed office building for our Association in Kuruwita Camp.

• To develop and update the Association website.(www.gemunuesra.lk)

• To accelerate the project of distributing imported commodes for disabled members.

• To provide assistance to members to find suitable employment for their unemployed children.

In this context I wish to point out the necessity of being whole heartedly unite ourselves in order to achieve the foresighted goals of the association. Further I look forward working with our Regiment and the Mother Association very closely in that respect and take this opportunity to tender my sincere thanks and gratitude to the Colonel of the Regiment, Centre Commandant and the staff of the Regiment of Gemunu Watch and the officials of SLESA who always are all out to extend the optimum support for advancement and development of the Gemunu Watch Ex Servicemen Regimental Association.

Lastly let me assure you that I would do my best with commitment and dedication towards achieving our associations’ goals and uphold the traditions of Gemunu Watch and GWESRA.

Happy and Peaceful Sinhala and Tamil New Year to you and your loved ones.

May the Triple Gem bless you.