COMMANDER’S MESSAGE ON 67TH ANNIVERSARY & ARMY DAY

Commemorating 67 years of victorious journey of the Sri Lanka Army in defending the territorial integrity and sovereignty of our motherland, I take the greatest pride and honour in issuing this message of greetings on this very special occasion of Army Day 2016.

Today, every Sri Lankan stands united with the Sri Lanka Army to salute the gallant men and women who discharge their services to ensure the country’s national security. In particular, I wish to pay my profound respect and deep gratitude to all those who made the supreme sacrifice, suffered injuries and are recovering from injuries.

As the Commander of the Army, I am very proud to have witnessed the manner in which the Sri Lanka Army has evolved and the unyielding progress that has been made over the last 67 years. The true owners of this victorious journey; the past Commanders, all Officers, Other Ranks, Civil Staff of the Army and their families are remembered with sincere admiration. Moreover, I pay my respect to serving members for their commitment, dedication and enthusiasm to always go beyond the call of duty. I also salute the families of Officers and Other Ranks for the determined efforts they have made in honour and respect of the Army, being the inspiration and towers of strength behind the men and women in uniform. High standards of selfless commitment and unparalleled bravery consistently displayed by the Army personnel are highly appreciated by Nations across the world.

I wish to place on special record the guidance, leadership and directions extended by His Excellency Maithripala Sirisena, the President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, Honourable Ruwan Wijewardene, State Minister of Defence and Eng. Karunasena Hettiarachchi, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence for the forward march of the Army on this occasion of Army Day 2016.

The Sri Lanka Army has been serving the nation with great distinction of professionalism and excellence in ensuring the protection of the territorial integrity of our country whilst providing assistance to fellow citizens in times of natural calamities. Sri Lanka today as one of the most peaceful and stable countries in the world, has embarked on a speedy development process and we should be determined to offer our maximum contribution to the national development projects as well.

Being well convinced of the demands of an information and technological age, the Army has taken appropriate measures to update the knowledge and skills of its members to be on a par with modern-day technological advancements. As the defence preparedness needs to be reviewed periodically, innovative and novel approaches are implemented with the assistance of advanced armies in the world. In addition, participation of our troops in UN Peacekeeping Missions has increased, consequent to that training establishments have been modified to meet international standards.

In order to enhance the morale and contentment of soldiers, many a welfare project, initiated for the benefit of family members of fallen or injured War Heroes as well as for all serving members, are now in progress. It is expected to focus the attention on other diversified fields; education, capacity building, housing and healthcare etc.

The Sri Lanka Army, over the years, has proved that unity, oneness, commitment and spirit of sacrifice if combined together can make a nation invincible and its defence impregnable. In keeping with this noble aspiration; I urge every personnel of the Army to strive and achieve the highest of professional standards in all aspects to meet the national security needs and civil military obligations of the Nation.

I, once again take this opportunity to pay my highest respect to those who made the supreme sacrifice in safeguarding the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the motherland and wish speedy recovery to the injured and disabled war heroes.

In conclusion, I extend my compliments to all Officers, Other Ranks, Civil Staff, ex-service personnel and their families on this remarkable occasion!