Newly-appointed Army Commander of Sri Lanka, a distinguished former student of Ananda College, Colombo, Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, was felicitated in a glittering ceremony organized by the Olcott Schools Alumni in the UAE.
Olcott Schools have a history of producing noble sons who serve the country in the highest ranks of office. Lt. General Mahesh Senanayake is one of them who reached the highest echelons of rank in the Sri Lanka Army.
Commander Senanayake, renowned as an eminent former student of Ananda College, Colombo, during 1970-1981, had excelled both in sports as well as extra-curricular activities. Further, he had shaped up his school career being a prefect and a Sargeant of the Police Cadet Platoon of the school. The experience he gained through a wide range of activities in school had helped immensely to elevate himself to become the Commander of the Army.
The felicitation ceremony commenced with the participants observing ‘Pansil,’ followed by observing a one-minute silence in memory of the fallen war heroes of Sri Lanka.
President of Olcott School Alumni and former student of Maliyadeva College Ranjith Dissanayake welcomed the gathering and said that Olcott School’s alumni was celebrating its 10th Anniversary on this year, Olcott School’s alumni was initiated based on an idea of a prominent Mahindian Ajantha Premarathna.
Ranjith Dissanayake congratulated Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake on his elevation to the post of Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and conveyed the School’s best wishes for his future endeavours during his tenure at the helm of the Army.
Speaking at the ceremony, the chief guest of the event Consular General of Dubai and Northern Emirates Charitha Yattogoda stated that Olcott Schools has a history of producing noble sons who serve the country in the highest ranks of office and that Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, who has reached the highest position in Sri Lanka’s Army, is a source of pride to his alma mater.
The Commander received a memento from the Consular General of Dubai and Northern Emirates Charitha Yattogoda in the presence of Olcott Alumini representatives; Srinath Samararatha (Ananda College), Ravi Gunarathna (Dharmapala College), Charitha Athauda (Dharmaraja College), Ranjan Domingo (Dharmashoka College), Vishva Wattage (Mahinda College), Asanga Atugoda (Maliyadeva College), Chanak Senathilake(Nalanda College) and Dhammika Gamage (Rahula College) from each school in front of houseful of Olcott Schools Alumini members and their families living in the UAE.
Lt. General Mahesh Senanayake acknowledged with pride and also modesty, that his achievements were a direct result of the solid foundation laid at Ananda College. Further, he emphasized that he was fortunate to grow up under the guidance of eminent teachers and principals who moulded their character and opened their minds to finer aspects of culture and learning. He extended his gratitude to his parents for giving him an opportunity to study at Ananda College.
A specially-composed video on the Commander’s childhood achievements, and military career until becoming the Commander of Srilanka Army was screened on the occasion.
On behalf of Sri Lankan Army, a special memento commemorating the occasion was presented by Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake to the Consular General of Dubai and Nothern Emirates Charitha Yattogoda.
Coincidentally, this felicitation ceremony was elegantly conducted by a class mate of the Commander Kusal Nanayakkara.
The ceremony wound up with thanksgiving of the Secretary of the Olcott Scools Alumni in UAE and former student of Dharmaraja College Charitha Athauda, followed by the national anthem.