News Archive

Govt identified hidden potentials of soldiers - Defence Secretary

THE Government has correctly identified hidden potentials of our soldiers and leadership qualities and made use of them to decimate the world’s most ruthless terrorists who raged a 30 year war debilitating economic and social conditions of our country. Working as a team was another factor for our success. President Mahinda Rajapaksa in every sense a true leader, who identified the most essentials of the human values and accomplished the noble task of bringing peace, prosperity, integrity and sovereignty to our country, said Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. He was the Chief Guest at the Kandy Mahamaya BV colours awarding ceremony at the College auditorium recently. The Defence Secretary said “you have invited me to this occasion which I consider as a tribute to the members of the Armed Forces and the Police who made great sacrifices to have our country saved from the LTTE clutches.”
Two Textile Training Institutions at IDP Centers

THE Textile Industry Development Ministry will open two textile training institutions in the Vavuniya and Cheddikulam Welfare Villages. The two textile training institutions will pay Rs. 2,000 to each participant during the training course and material required by trainees will also be provided free of charge, the Ministry said. Minister Mahinda Ratnathilaka told The Island that specialized training on the textile industry was vitally important in the IDP villages because young men and women with skill would be absolutely essential.
First Batch of Soldiers Trained at Advance Infantry Training School in Kilinochchi Passed Out

ON a concept mooted by Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya with the intentsion of uplifting professional standards of soldiers on par with expansion of the organization, has opened up an Advanced Infantry Training School in the 57 Division, Kilinochchi. The first batch of officers and soldiers who underwent advanced infantry training at this new training centre passed out on Saturday (03) at a smart parade with participation of the General Officer Commanding 57 Division Brigadier P.M.R Bandara as Chief Guest.
Army Assists Two more Social Welfare Projects in East

A community hall constructed for civilians in Vakaneri area, Batticaloa with the assistance of Army troops serving under the 231 Brigade, was declared open Saturday (03) morning by the Divisional Secretary of the area Mr. V. Thavaraja, Chief Guest on the occasion. At the inauguration, a concert was presented by a group of small children. The Second-in- Command of the 14th Battalion Sri Lanka National Guard Major T.S. Hettiarachchi, members of the Japan-based JFN organization that funded the construction of the building and a large crowd of civilians and Army personnel attended the opening ceremony.
Islamic Religious Observances to Mark Army 60th Anniversary Performed at Davatagaha Mosque

THE Islamic religious ceremony to bless the Sri Lanka Army on its 60th Anniversary and the Army Day on 10th October took place on Monday (05) at the Davatagaha Jumma Masjid Shrine Colombo 2. A series of religious observances coinciding with the 60th Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army commenced on Friday (02) with the Flag Blessing ceremony at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi Anuradhapura.
President Welcomes US clarification: State Department Exonerates Security Forces

PRESIDENT Mahinda Rajapaksa welcomed the clarification made by the US State Department yesterday which exonerated the Security Forces from an accusation of using rape as a weapon during the recent conflict. President Rajapaksa described the US clarification as one which upheld the respect and dignity of our war heroes. The US State Department reacting to the disputed statement said yesterday that during the most recent phase of the conflict, from 2006 to 2009 they had not received reports that rape and sexual abuse were used as tools of war, as they clearly have in other conflict areas around the world.”
Commander's Wishes Bear Fruits

UPON completion of the mission of eliminating LTTE terrorism entirely from the east and finally from the whole of the motherland, Sri Lanka Army is now busy preparing and upgrading training and welfare outfits of the troops, as pledged by Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya upon his assumption of duties. A new holiday bungalow with three bedrooms constructed for members of the Army to stay with their families during visits to the east was declared open on Monday (05) at Kalkudah in Batticaloa as a part of this expansion of welfare projects.
Army Exhibition; a Crowd Puller

SRI LANKA ARMY’S 60th Anniversary Mega Exhibition now on for its fourth day has drawn over 200,000 spectators by Tuesday (06) mid noon. The Commando Regiment stall at the premises has turned out to be the most attractive crowd-puller as the youth took more interest in Commando Regiment’s acrobats, rescue operations and other thrilling feats. The crowd included many school children, young girls and boys and also a wide section of patriotic civilians.
Iran's Diplomat Calls on Commander

DEFENCE Attaché for Iran's Embassy in Sri Lanka Brigadier Seyed Reza Asghary Nekah called on Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya this morning (6) and extended his warmest congratulations on commemoration of the Army 60th Anniversary. The visiting diplomat further told the Commander that this Anniversary turns more important and outstanding due to the glorious victory the Army and the Armed Forces have achieved within the year after defeating LTTE terrorism in the country.
Hindu Religious Ceremonies Get Underway

THE Hindu ceremony to invoke blessing on the Army on its 60th Anniversary was held at Sri Balaselvanayagam Murthi Kovil, Captain Gardens, Colombo 10 Tuesday (06) afternoon. Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Brigadier R. Rathnasingham, President Sri Lanka Army Hindu Association and a host of senior officers and other ranks attended the special pooja conducted by the Head Priest Bhrmachari B. Shanmuganathan Sharma Kurukkal.