A tearful goodbye to a gentleman officer

Commander of Security Forces in the Wanni, Major General Boniface Perera, has been promoted as the Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force and is due to assume duties on November 4. Major General Perera served as Security Forces Commander (Wanni) for a period of four years, winning the hearts and minds of those from all communities due to his efforts at helping them rebuild their lives in the aftermath of the 30-year war. 

Under the Major General's guidence, about 3500 families who had fled the Wanni due to the war were resettled. He also worked to establish infrastructure facilities for the returning families of displaced persons. 

On November 1, Major General Perera visited many villages in the area to convey the news that he was leaving the Wanni after four long years. Many of those he met were deeply appreciative of his efforts to assist them during the past five years and many villagers were moved to tears at seeing him leave. 

Major General Boniface Perera is a decorated veteran of the war, and narrowly escaped death on several occasions. 

Story and Pix by Romesh Madhusanka

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