28Th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 21st May 2026

The Association of Retired Flag Rank Officers (ARFRO) held its 28th Annual General Meeting (AGM) on 21st May 2026 at the Regimental Officers’ Mess of the Sri Lanka Corps of Military Police, Polhengoda, Colombo 5. The event was conducted with great dignity and camaraderie, drawing together distinguished members of the nation’s retired senior military leadership.

The meeting was graced by the Hon. Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General K P A Jayasekera (Retd), and several former Commanders of the Armed Forces, including General C S Weerasooriya, Admiral D W K Sandagiri, General R M D Ratnayake, Admiral R Wijegunaratne, Admiral P Perera and Air Chief Marshal G P Bulathsinghala. Their participation not only added prestige to the proceedings but also reflected their continued commitment to the service community. Over 80 Flag Rank Officers, who are Life and Associate Members of the Association, were in attendance, underscoring the enduring bonds of military fraternity.

Before the commencement of the formal AGM proceedings, a collection of books was presented to the Defence Services Command and Staff College Sapugaskanda for use of student officers.

Established in 1996 on the visionary initiative of the late General Deshamanya J E D Perera VSV, ARFRO has grown steadily in both stature and purpose. As of today, the Association boasts a membership of 358 retired senior officers from the tri-services. Membership is open to all officers of the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka who retired holding the ranks of Brigadier, Commodore, Air Commodore, or above.

ARFRO’s primary objective remains to provide a respected and inclusive forum for senior retired officers to engage in meaningful dialogue, preserve shared values, and foster a sense of mutual respect and camaraderie, an ethos deeply embedded in military tradition. The Association not only maintains these bonds but also serves as a knowledge-sharing platform that supports national development and thought leadership.

A key feature of ARFRO’s ongoing work is its commitment to advancing professional discourse on subjects of strategic and national importance. Through seminars, lectures, and engagements with domain experts, the Association enables its members and, on occasion, young serving officers in training, to gain valuable insight and perspective on issues that influence both military and civilian spheres.

Of equal importance is ARFRO’s commitment to social responsibility. Through the Ranaviru Family Counselling and Support Service (RFCSS), the Association extends support to families and dependents of service personnel who were Killed in Action (KIA) or listed as Missing in Action (MIA). These efforts are designed to ensure that the families of fallen heroes are not left in hardship and continue to feel valued and supported. In addition, the Association provides a limited number of scholarships to children of these families, helping them pursue higher education without financial strain.

The mission endures, the standard stands, and the duty continues, rooted firmly in the proud traditions ARFRO upholds. ARFRO remains committed to honouring the legacy of those who served, while strengthening the bonds of camaraderie and esprit de corps among its members.

At this 28th AGM, Vice Admiral D. S. M. Wijewickrama RSP VSV USP took over the Presidency from Air Chief Marshal G. P. Bulathsinghala who was President for three consecutive years.In addition, the following officers were elected to the committee, for the year 2026/2027.

Immediate Past President: Air Chief Marshal G. P. Bulathsinghala RWP RSP VSV USP

Vice Presidents: Major General M.D.S. Chandrapala RWP RSP VSV USP and Air Vice Marshal K. Yahampath VSV USP

Hony. Secretary: Rear Admiral W.M.P.L. Weerasinghe VSV USP

Hony. Treasurer: Major General M. S. C. Perera USP

Chairman, RFCSS: Surg. Rear Admiral N. E. L. W. Jayasekera VSV USP

Committee Members: (1) Maj General N. Jayasuriya (2) Major General W. G .M. U .R. Perera USP (3) Maj Gen M. A. M. Peiris USP (4) Major General G. S. Padumadasa VSV USP (5) Major General R. V. Udawatta (6) Rear Admiral H.S. Rathnakeerthi VSV USP (7) Rear Admiral Rear Admiral A.V. Abeyasena VSV (8) Rear Admiral A.R. Amarasinghe RSP VSV USP (9) RAdm A. Wijesiriwardane RWP RSP & 7 Bars USP (10) Air Vice Marshal O.D.N.L. Perera RWP VSV USP (11) Air Vice Marshal J.P. Wanigatunga VSV USP & (12) Air Vice Marshal A.W.E. Wijesuriya USP

Further, the undermentioned members were co-opted into the EXCO for specific tasks: General S. C. Weerasooriya RWP RSP VSV USP – Advisor, Maj Gen L.C.R. Goonewardeena RSP VSV USP - Asst Advisor, Maj Gen Dr K.D.P. Perera USP - Advisor to RFCS, Air Vice Marshal VDA Dissanayake VSV - Advisor to Journal Editor, Maj Gen V.U.B. Nanayakkara VSV, USP -Membership Drive, Brigadier P. C. Boteju – Accounts, Air Commodore A.M .Gamachari USP - Legal matters, Maj Gen W. Palihakkara - Pension matters, Special Projects/ Fund Raising - Maj Gen J A R S K Jayasekera USP, Brig E.R.P. Weerawardena - SLCMP Coordinator