“YOUR efforts to free the motherland from grips of terrorism that affected for thirty years have borne fruits due to all of you who belong to an Army with a proud history of sixty years. In the future, you must fulfill all responsibilities entrusted to you under the country’s Constitution. We have a bigger share of administrative responsibilities to do although the war is over,” so said Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya during a dinner hosted for all ranks in the Army at Anuradhapura Farm Garden Village Hotel late Friday (06).
Over 1000 other ranks representing all Regiments of the Army attended the occasion which has been organized in appreciation of the contribution made by the troops for the success of the 60th anniversary celebration. Major General Mendaka Samarasinghe, Chief of Staff received the Commander on his arrival at the hotel. The dinner arranged on an initiative of the Commander was a symbolic gesture of goodwill.
“You all belonging to Units and Regiments must work hard in order to improve your duty procedures, technical know-how and professional knowledge according to your abilities and skills through your Units and Regiments. Then only you can make Sri Lanka Army a full-fledged organization,” the Commander said.
“As the Army, it is our prime duty to help government departments which are engaged in re-settlement of the Internally Displaced Persons, though the war is over. We must be able to win the hearts and minds of civilians and safeguard their dignity while performing our duties. You all must preserve the dignity of the Army at all times. I also want to stress that we all are dedicated to create a country using our human resources for the sake of our future generation. I am very pleased to announce you that the government had already decided to increase your basic salary by Rs.1000/= as well as the hard lying allowance presently being given to security forces members serving in north and east to all members of the Army from November onwards. You all must be well aware of the welfare measures being provided by the government as members of the Army. I also assure you that I will make arrangements to get you all the facilities in the future too,” the Commander further said.
“It was my decision to gather all ranks of every Regiment to this dinner organized as a token of appreciation of your contribution to the 60th anniversary celebrations. I am well aware the enormous dedication and hard work you put in for the success of these celebrations, irrespective of your personal requirements in the aftermath of humanitarian operations. I pay my sincere gratitude to all of you for that,” the Commander added.
Lt. Gen. Jayasuriya before conclusion of his speech paid his tribute to all those who sacrificed their lives during the humanitarian operations, received injuries and became disable in the war. He also wished speedy recovery to those still lying in hospitals with the blessings of Triple Gem and Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi.
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