Indian Commander visits Vavuniya SLA frontlines

[TamilNet, Thursday, 01 December 2005, 12:26 GMT]
General Officer Commander-in-Chief of Southern Command Lt. Gen. B.S. Thakker Thursday visited the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) front lines in Vavuniya and discussed with SLA Commanders matters related to security, sources in Vavuniya said.

Lt Gen Thakker arrived in Vavuniya in a special Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) helicopter where he met with Major General Vajira Wijegunawardane, Commander 11 Division, who accompanied the General to attend the Guard of Honor.

Lt Gen Thakker then met with Army Commander Lt. Gen Kottegoda , Chief of Staff Major General Sarath Fonseka, Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Susil Chandrapala, Director General General Staff, Major General Nanda Mallawaarachchi and Military Secretary Major General D. U Munasinghe at Lt Gen Kottgoda's office and discussed security matters, sources said.

Lt Gen Thakker then proceeded to the Omanthai checkpoint where he met with SLA officiers in charge of the checkpoint .

Lt Gen Thakker discussed possible changes to security arrangements in Vavuniya, the strategic border town that separates the South of Sri Lanka from Liberation Tigers controlled Vanni region.

Lt Gen B.S. Thakker PVSM VSM had his early education at Lawrence School, Sanawar, Shimla Hills. An alumni of the National Defence Academy and the Indian Military Academy, he was commissioned into 17 HORSE on 25 December 1965. He later had the honour to command the same Regiment.

In recognition of his distinguished services rendered during his career, he was awarded the Param Vishist Seva Medal (PVSM) and Vishist Seva Medal (VSM). Married to Mrs. Harsimrit Thakker, they have two children, Nimrata and Arjun.