“LET US RISE AGAIN AS ONE UNITED FAMILY ”- LT. GEN SHANTHA KOTTEGODA

Lieutenant General Shantha Kottegoda, Commander of the Army in his customary New Year Day 2005 message calls upon all Army personnel to rise to the occasion and continue to dedicate their today for country's re-building in the aftermath of the tsunami disaster that claimed thousands of lives, including his own men.

Saluting his men for their courage, determination, dedication and commitment in the country's times of trouble, for their donation of day's pay on behalf of the disaster victims and also the Seva Vanitha Unit's speedy action in initiating a Relief Collecting project, the Commander expresses his deep sense of gratitude and appreciation to all his Officers and Other Ranks, engaged in relief, rescue and re-construction efforts.

“At the dawn of another New Year, I would like to commemorate all those Army personnel, their members of families who perished in the worst ever disaster and take this opportunity to offer my deepest sympathies. I also take this occasion to sympathize with all those who have been affected and rendered homeless as a result of this devastating disaster. We, as one nation and one united family, should meet this challenge and try to overcome the crisis,” Lt. Gen Kottegoda says further in his message.

Hailing contributions hitherto made by members of the Armed Forces in their prime duty of safeguarding the country's territorial integrity, sovereignty and unitary state, the Commander praises all Army personnel for their commitment to sustain ongoing ceasefire, meant to bring peace to the motherland despite constraints and setbacks.

During the course of the New Year, plans are afoot to raise and promote highest standards of discipline, knowledge, training, professionalism and integrity in the Army. “While invoking merits on all fallen heroes and blessings on those in service and their next of kin, I wish everybody a peaceful and prosperous New Year,” his message added.