AFTER THE 30 year long war, all Sri Lankans in Jaffna together commemorated Christmas this time on 27th December night in Doraiappa grounds, Jaffna. The 51 Division under the guidance of Major General L.B.R. Mark, Commander Security Forces Jaffna, organized those Christmas carols, a feature that re-commenced after a long absence. It was witnessed by over 100,000 people including children, who thronged the ground.
A SPECIAL ceremony took place in Veththilaikerni, Jaffna to commemorate the 5th anniversary of Tsunami disaster under the guidance of Jaffna Commander Major General L.B.R. Mark, on 26th December morning. About 2000 relatives of Tsunami victims gathered at Uduththurai General Cemetery, performed religious rites and placed floral tributes to those who remain buried there. Minister Douglas Devananda and Commander 55 Division who were present on the occasion garlanded the Tsunami memorial at the site.
DAWN of the New Year 2010 was marked at Security Forces Headquarters - Wanni (SFHQ-W) during a simple ceremony on 01st January morning on the directions of the Wanni Commander Major General Kamal Gunaratne. The chief guest on the occasion, Brigadier M.A.M Dias hoisted the National Flag and inaugurated the event. Recital of National anthem and Army song followed as troops stood in attention. Reading of the service oath afterwards added a new flavour to the occasion. The New Year message of the Commander was also read out by the chief guest. The proceedings ended after a tea party.
SRI LANKA Army’s Humanitarian De-mining Field Engineer troops to-date since the year 2002 have cleared a total land extent of 450,402,744 sq m (450.41 sq km) of LTTE buried explosive devices, anti personnel and anti tank mines and un-exploded ordnance (UXOs) from northern and eastern districts of Jaffna, Killinochchi, Mullaittivu, Mannar, Vavuniya, Batticaloa and Trincomalee. In addition, Non Governmental Organizations (NGOs) are separately engaged in de-mining work in the same districts.
RESPONDING to claims that the Rajapaksa administration had not acquired any new, weaponry except ammunition during the Eelam War IV, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa told The Island that nothing could be further from the truth. "What we acquired after fighting erupted in August 2006 was amazing," he said adding that no previous government had provided such a range of equipment to the men on the battlefield.
IN ADDITION to the political leadership given by President Mahinda Rajapaksa it was the brave decision to double the manpower of the Security Forces that became the main factor in wining the war against the LTTE, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said. The Defence Secretary addressing the first felicitation ceremony of Civil Security Department (CSD) officials in Anuradhapura said the timely decision of the President led to victory in the war since like in any other endeavour, a skilful, knowledgeable workforce is a must to achieve success.
A BODHI Pooja was conducted by Ven. Bengamuwe Nalaka Thero in front of the Bodhiya situated at the Security Forces Wanni Headquarters on 3rd January 2010. During the pooja merits were invoked on fallen War Heroes and blessings were made on those who are still in hospitals for speedy recovery. A large number of senior and junior officers and other ranks participated in the event.
THOUGH unofficial reports claimed that retired General Sarath Fonseka has by 2nd January 2010 allegedly vacated the official quarters, meant for the use of incumbent Commander of the Army, no official intimation to that effect, as stipulated in the Supreme Court judgment on the issue, has been conveyed either to Court, or Attorney General or Commissioner of Elections or Sri Lanka Army Headquarters as of today (4). Once legal advice in this regard is received, this official residential quarters is to be accepted upon completion of proper receipt/ hand-over procedures,.....
WANNI : ARMY troops during their search and clear operations on Monday (4) in the general areas of PALLEI, PERIYAPANDIVIRICHCHAN, NANDAKANDAL, PALAMPIDDI, NOCHCHIKULAM, IRANAMADU, ODDUSUDAN, PARANTHAN, AKKARAYANKULAM and VELLAMULLIVAIKKAL recovered five 81 mm mortar bombs, forty-two hand grenades, eight fuses, one pack of chargers, one anti tank mine, one hundred and ninety-one anti personnel mines, one claymore mine, eighteen Rocket Propeller Grenades (RPG), one 152 mm artillery round.....
THE EAST based members of the Maha Sangha (Buddhist priests) who continued to resist previous LTTE terrorist atrocities without fleeing the area and fearlessly performed religious needs of the villagers were revered by Army troops under 22 Division after offering an alms-giving to 169 Buddhist monks of sixty temples in the province. Most Ven Udugama Sri Buddharakkitha Nayaka Thero, Maha Nayaka of Asgiriya Chapter, Ven Dr Niyangoda Vijithasiri Anu Nayaka Thero of the Asgiriya Chapter and over 30 prominent Nayaka Theros and Chief Incumbents of all the temples participated in the meritorious event which invoked blessings on the Security Forces and the country and transferred merits to all fallen War Heroes.
