Cricketers Thisara Perera and Dinesh Chandimal were enlisted to the rank of Major of Sri Lanka Army during a ceremony held at the Army Commander's office this morning, the Army said.

Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, pinned rank insignia on the two cricketers who joined the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF) and congratulated them.

Major Thisara Perera who has also contributed to the growth of cricket among budding cricketers in the Gajaba Regiment earlier has been enlisted to the Gajaba Regiment (GR), in which the President and the Secretary Defence were also respected veterans.

At present, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva is the Colonel of the Regiment, Gajaba Regiment in addition to being the Colonel of the Regiment of Special Forces.

Major Dinesh Chandimal, the first captain to lead Sri Lanka in the first day-night Test Match, has been enlisted to the Sri Lanka Army Ordnance Corps (SLAOC) Regiment.

Major General Ruwan Wanigasooriya, Commandant, Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force (SLAVF) and Major General Lakshman Fernando, Colonel Commandant, SLAOC Regiment were also present at the brief occasion.