Ranveta Offered to Maligawa in Memory of Fallen War Heroes
COMMANDER of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, in response to a request extended to him by Diyawadana Nilame at Sri Dalada Maligawa, offered a gold plated new Ranveta (gold fence) to the lower chamber of the main shrine Friday (5) morning during a simple ceremony. The gold fence, worth Rs 1.6 million was made a reality with the proceeds made available by the Buddhist Association in the Army, following instructions given by Commander of the Army in this connection.
* MILITARY DETENTION OF FORMER CHIEF OF DEFENEC STAFF AND ARMY COMMANDER GENERAL SARATH FONSEKA
Updated : 9th February 2010,13:18:12 Hours
FORMER Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka, taken into military custody last night (8) on charges of committing alleged fraudulent acts and military offences has been provided with full security and protection under detention. His lawyer as well as the family has been granted unhindered access to the detainee and full medical assistance as required has been offered as indicated by him.
COMMANDER of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya took time off his busy day’s schedule last evening (8) and made a surprise entry into the sports pavilion at Army Headquarters in order to witness the inauguration of the annual Inter-Regiment Rugger Tournament. Monday’s (8) first match occurred between Sri Lanka Army General Service Corps (SLAGSC) and.....
HE the President Mahinda Rajapaksa and his retinue after a successful three-day state tour to Russia returned to the island this morning (9) to a tumultuous welcome at the Bandaranaike International Airport. Senior ministers, Parliamentarians, Chief of Defence Staff, Army and Navy Commanders, Inspector General of Police, state secretaries and a large crowd greeted the President on his arrival at Katunayake.
* FORMER ARMY COMMANDER GENERAL SARATH FONSEKA IN MILITARY CUSTODY
Updated : 8th February 2010,23:17:22 Hours
GENERAL Sarath Fonseka was taken into military custody around 9.00 pm on 8th February 2010 in connection with certain fraudulent acts and other military offences committed by him. Military investigations are in progress and a detailed statement will be issued later.
* WFP & USAID Reps Extend Their Continuing Support for Wanni People
Updated : 9th February 2010,13:31:02 Hours
REPRESENTATIVES of two international aid agencies, World Food Programme (WFP) and USAID with a view to taking assessment of food and other daily requirements among Wanni IDPs and resettled people met Major General Kamal Gunaratne, Commander, Security Forces, Wanni and Competent Authority for IDPs. Messrs David Allen and Francis Abanzi of the WFP in Vavuniya and Miss Andrea Sawka.....
MAJOR GENERAL Prasad Samarasinghe assumed office as Military Spokesman and Director, Directorate of Media in the Army this morning (8) during a brief ceremony, held at Media Center for National Security (MCNS). Major General Samarasinghe as Military Spokesman had the rare opportunity of contributing to the initial phase of the onset of the Humanitarian Operations that started off from Mavil Aru in the East during the years 2006-2007.
* Lanka will Contribute to World Peace - President
8th February 2010,13:40:10 Hours
FOR OVER three decades the very existence of our nation and the peace and prosperity of our people were threatened by the LTTE menace described as one of the deadliest terrorist organizations. When they adamantly rejected our sincere efforts for negotiation we had to use military means to defeat them and launch a humanitarian operation with absolute care to rescue the civilian population held hostage by the terrorists for decades, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Saturday.
* First Psychosocial Centre for War Affected Children Inaugurated
5th February 2010,13:33:00 Hours
THE first Psychosocial Centre in the newly resettled areas in the Northern Province, a long-felt need for addressing issues, related to mental well-being of children in war-affected areas, was recently opened at Mallavi Central College, Thunukkai in the Mullaitivu District by Maj. General Kamal Gunaratne, Commander, Security Force Wanni & Competent Authority for IDPs. This purpose-built Centre for psychosocial activities at Mallavi Central College was.....
* HE the President’s Address at 62nd National Day Celebrations in Kandy
4th February 2010,23:57:17 Hours
THIS IS THE FIRST NATIONAL DAY being able to celebrate without threat of terrorism after 30 years. I am happy to state that the freedom has now dawned to hoist the National Flag proudly across the whole of Sri Lanka as it unfurls in high skies. I am also equally happy to address you from the land where Ven. Wariyapola Sumangala Thero raised our National Flag after bringing down the Union Jack in 1815. Even today I remember the Ven. Members of the Sangha with great veneration. Let me also pay our tribute to members of the Sangha who dedicated themselves for the freedom of the country.
* On National Day Eve Commander Inspects Army Stalls
3rd February 2010,23:07:30 Hours
ON THE eve of the National Day and the opening of “Deyata Kirula” Mega Exhibition in Kandy, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya made an inspection tour around the 9 acre extent area allocated for Army Exhibition Stalls Wednesday (3) evening in order to receive a first hand experience. Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, accompanied by respective Regimental Commanders and Senior Officers visited each and every stall, produced by all Regiments in the Army and saw for himself how smoothly such exhibits....
MAJOR GENERAL MAHINDA HATHURUSINGHE RSP ndc IG assumed office this morning (3) as Commander, Security Forces, Jaffna after a brief ceremony, attended by religious dignitaries and senior Army and tri-service officers. Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe succeeds Major General L.B.R Mark who assumed duties as Director General Infantry at Army Headquarters. Major General Hathurusinghe on arrival at the Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna (SFHQ-J) was accorded military honours according to traditions.
* Major General Daya Rathnayake, New Army Chief of Staff Assumes Office
2nd February 2010,13:07:05 Hours
MAJOR GENERAL R.M.D Rathnayake RWP RSP USP ndu psc, more popularly known as ‘Daya Rathnayake’ assumed duties this morning (2) as 43rd Chief of Staff in the Sri Lanka Army after a brief ceremony. Major General Rathnayake on entering his office at the Army Headquarters observed religious rites before he inaugurated the office by lighting the traditional oil lamp that symbolizes prosperity, wisdom and an auspicious commencement.
A NEW BUS service that covers Kalmadu, Palaisundarapuram, Kidavur, Ichchankulam, Tharanikulam, Pudukulam rural area and terminates at Vavuniya commenced its maiden journey recently after a brief ceremony organized by 611 Brigade under Security Forces Headquarters, Wanni. Using three two-door buses, provided by Sri Lanka Transport Board in response to discussions held with Ministry of Transport....
NORTH & EAST: TROOPS on their search and clear operations on Sunday (31) in the general areas of MARADAMADHU, VISUAMADU, KURUTHIPURAM and ANDANKULAM recovered three detonator cords, two hundred rounds of T-56 ammunition, one hundred and twenty-three anti personnel mines, five detonators, six hand grenades, three claymore mines, ten fuses, one wire cord and one ration tin. Meanwhile, Army troops and Police personnel engaged in a joint search in KERAPOLA area in the East recovered three T-56 weapons and two T-56 magazines, thirty rounds of T-56 ammunition.....
NINETEEN youth and six children, formerly worked for the LTTE and contributed to LTTE terrorist acts received complete rehabilitation and walked back to their parents on Sunday (24) after their rehabilitation process at Thelippalai Rehabilitation Center culminated successfully. Those youth sought the protection of the armed forces during the peak of Wanni humanitarian operations after realizing the vanity of the LTTE brutality and its violence.
* New Commissioner General of Rehabilitation Takes Office
Updated : 9th February 2010,15:47:22 Hours
ARMY CHIEF OF STAFF Major General Daya Rathnayaka after relinquishing his duties as Commissioner General of Rehabilitation at Ministry of Justice and Law Reforms handed over the office of Bureau of the Commissioner General of Rehabilitation to his successor, Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe this morning (9). Brigadier Sudantha Ranasinghe, a senior officer in the Sri Lanka Engineers Regiment initialed a document and accepted his new office as Commissioner General of Rehabilitation during a brief multi religious ceremony..........
MAJOR General A.D.G.A. Jayawardene assumed duties as Commander, Security Forces, Mullaittivu Tuesday (2) morning after a brief military and religious ceremony. Troops of the Sri Lanka Artillery accorded him a Guard of Honour on his arrival at Mullaittivu Security Forces Headquarters premises. Later on a religious ceremony conducted by members of the Maha Sangha at his office invoked blessings on the new appointment. A special Pirith chanting session blessed the new Commander for Mullaittivu.....
A LECTURE that highlights importance of promoting racial co-existence, harmony and goodwill was conducted recently for the benefit of youth in Kaludaweli area under 234 Brigade. The lecture, organized by Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment troops serving the area was attended by more than 75 youth and conducted at Kaludaweli Maha Vidyalaya by senior lecturers on Social Science and History, Messrs P. Vigneshwaran and S. Sivaganeshan respectively. Both those lecturers were from Eatern University.
* Independence Celebrations at Rehabilitation Centres
Updated : 9th February 2010,10:39:13 Hours
TWO of the Rehabilitation Centres in Vavuniya for former LTTE combatants celebrated Independence Day in their own fashion on February 4. At Poorthottam, where there are a couple of hundred former child soldiers, there was a flag hoisting ceremony, which included the release of a dove, and speeches in both Tamil and Sinhala.This was followed by a well rehearsed drill display.
A NATIONAL DAY ceremony in parallel with the main National Day celebrations took place at Security Forces Headquarters, Wanni (SFHQ-W) on 4th February morning, from where the administration was directed in relation to the final Wanni battles. Brigadier M.A.M Dias, Chief of Brigadier Staff at SFHQ-W graced the occasion as Chief Guest who read out the National Day message sent by Commander, SFHQ-W to the occasion.
TROOPS serving the east continue their civil-oriented welfare projects with the support of the public in respective areas. Troops under 231, 232 and 233 Brigades on the eve of National Day conducted different Shramadana projects and donation of gifts and manual stretches to needy civilians. On Wednesday (3) 231 Brigade troops joined by members of the Civil Defence Forces cleaned up Ruhunuketha Junior School premises. Two officers.....
* Two Defendants Sentenced to 25 Years in Prison for Conspiring to Provide Material Support to the LTTE, a Foreign Terrorist Organization
30th January 2010,12:58:04 Hours
EARLIER today, at the federal courthouse in Brooklyn, defendants Thiruthanikan Thanigasalam and Sahilal Sabaratnam were sentenced to 25 years in prison and five years of supervised release in connection with their efforts to purchase almost $1 million worth of high-powered weaponry for the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a designated foreign terrorist organization. The sentences were imposed by Chief United States District Judge Raymond J. Dearie. In January 2009, Thanigasalam and Sabaratnam pled guilty to conspiring and.....
ARMY troops serving the East continue to give their helping hand to the civilians in the area to revert to their normal life after the war came to and end. 233 Brigade troops considering civilian facilities took steps to renovate the medical center at Mahasenpura though a self-help project on 31st January 2010. Civilians in the area assisted the project. In the meantime, over 90 civilians and more than two dozens of soldiers under the same 233 Brigade conducted........
* Medical Clinic Provides Consultations & Spectacles
28th January 2010,16:43:34 Hours
POVERTY-RIDDEN villagers in Kurukkalmadam area, Batticaloa on 23rd January thronged Kalaimagal Vidyalaya under 234 Brigade in the East and got their eyesight checked and received eye spectacles from a philanthropist. Following an initiative taken by 234 Brigade troops on the instructions of their Brigade Commander Colonel K.D.C.P.J Thilakarathna, the special medical clinic and.....
* Troops in the East Engage in More Welfare Activities
1st February 2010,15:03:34 Hours
TROOPS in the East, engaged in welfare works for the benefit of people that come under their command continue to help the needy. In one such project, the troops of 231 Brigade rehabilitated and repaired an abandoned water supply system including the water pump and a large water tank with a capacity of 12,000 lt built at Sri Dutugemunu Temple, Singhapura. The renovated water supply scheme which can provide drinking water to 41 families in Singhapura was ceremonially opened on 29th January evening with the participation of Lieutenant Colonel.....
* Proposed ‘Wellness Resort’ Continues to Receive Generous Assistance
25th January 2010,12:42:45 Hours
THE PROPOSED Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB) spearheaded Anuradhapura “Wellness Resort”, a residential complex for rest and recreation of disable soldiers and their families continues to receive further teeth as more and more donors and philanthropists worldwide were lending their helping hand. The concept, mooted by Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya is to be a reality soon at a ten-acre land allocation, made by the government in response to the Army’s request for assistance. The surveying of the land has already been done and the architectural approval has been sought from local authorities.
17 SRI LANKA LIGHT INFANTRY (SLLI) troops serving under 234 Brigade organized a donation of books to the students at Unnichchi Tamil Mixed School after troops found many students are from needy families. The parcels containing books, pens and pencils were distributed among 137 students a few days ago during a brief ceremony in the school premises.
“Viru Daru Vivida Prasangaya”, a children’s variety show organized by Sri Lanka Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (SLEME) to display skills of their own kids was held Saturday (24) evening at the Royal College auditorium, Colombo.The Chief Guest on the occasion was Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa, the President, Seva Vanitha Branch, Ministry of Defence. She was received on her arrival by Mrs. Manjulika Jayasuriya, the President, Seva Vanitha Army Branch.
* Commando Regiment War Hero, Recipient of Another New House
20th January 2010,15:39:41 Hours
MORE and more civilians, concerned with numerous sacrifices and invaluable contributions of the War Heroes continue to lend their helping hand to the Army for promotion of living standards of the military personnel. Philanthropists, Mr K.A. Wimal and Mrs G.A.D. Dilani Deepika of Malabe, Kaduwela were kind enough to donate a plot of land at Malabe for construction of a new house to Sergeant N. Atygalle..........
* Repatriates Donate 144 Wheel Chairs to Army Hospital
21st January 2010,13:31:35 Hours
SRI LANKAN community in Hong Kong got-together under four organizations, Organization of Sri Lankan Youth, Association of Sri Lankans in Hong Kong, Association of Sri Lankan Children in Hong Kong and ‘Veritas’ Listeners’ Foundation in Hong Kong, organized a donation of 144 wheel chairs to the military hospital in appreciation of the sacrifices made by the War Heroes to free the motherland from LTTE terrorism.