Dawn of the New Year-2011 was greeted with a customary ceremony at Army Headquarters, Monday (3) morning, as today marked the first working day in January after Christmas holidays.
Monday’s ceremony added more significance to the occasion as it also coincided with the birthday of the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya.
Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, giving due respect to the country, commenced the day’s proceedings with the hoisting of the national flag in accordance with military traditions. Recital of the National Anthem and the Army song followed soon after as hundreds of officers and a gathering of soldiers too joined in.
The service commitment pledge that reminds the Army’s allegiance to the country’s Constitution and the public service, as is the case in all government institutes, was then read out. The day’s most significant item on the agenda came about then as the Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya rose to his feet to address the gathering. (See the full text of the speech below)
Subsequent to the main event, Lieutenant General Jayasuriya, along with Mrs Manjulika Jayasuriya, President, Seva Vanitha Army Branch (SVAB), medical authorities and senior officers went to see War Heroes under treatment at the Military Hospital and inquired into their well-being and medical requirements, if any. The visiting Army Chief interacted with those inmates for some time and later on gave away New Year gift parcels to them, wishing them speedy recovery. Mrs. Manjulika Jayasuriya in the hospital visit was also joined by another group of senior SVAB members who had also brought gift parcels with them for the War Heroes in hospital.
Here follows the full text of the Commander’s speech to the occasion;
“We are inaugurating the New Year - 2011 with a heap of new responsibilities, entrusted to us. This year marks the second anniversary of the successfully-completed Humanitarian Operation, launched for realization of the country’s freedom. Our next sole objective is to march towards development in order to make our country the ‘Miracle of Asia’ while giving our maximum support to government efforts. In achieving those development goals, Sri Lanka Army has a formidable role to play since the Army which won the appreciation of the nation after defeat of terrorism and its challenges, is capable of shouldering any such tasks in the future too, I should mention here.
As the Commander of the Army, I am privileged to issue this message of greetings to you with all those responsibilities in mind. Sri Lanka Army, with all those national targets on the agenda has entered a new decisive phase as related to its commitments. Ours is the determined effort to give further teeth to this miracle of development. By this time, the government fully confident of our ability, the Army has been entrusted the task of constructing buildings, highways and promoting infrastructure development and agricultural sphere. The Army’s contribution, made with minimal overhead costs will definitely boost the country’s productivity and development since our country is a one based on agriculture. Both the government as well as the masses has high hopes on our commitment for those development objectives. When development goals, supported by us, reach fruition with the highest level of dedication, all of us will be able to enjoy a sense of humble dignity and pride.
Our Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency the President during the most recent passing out parade at Diyatalawa, made a special statement, saying that the humanitarian operation is still on and not over, though the War is over in the north and east. Therefore, human development as pointed out by the President himself, should be given pride of place in those areas, affected due to the 30 year long violence. I personally know our soldiers are fully committed and very busy in attending to those various development projects. I, as Commander of the Army, take pride in admitting that your service has come in for praise of the government as well as the masses. The confidence we have gained will cover the development tasks, ahead of us.
The Army as a professional body has received world-wide recognition as a well-disciplined organization. I must underline that it is your prime obligation to sustain that glory and dignity. It is also timely important to maintain courage and morale of each and every member of the Army who has contributed immensely for defence of the territorial integrity and county’s freedom. This is remembered for ever and should be continuously held in high spirits. Likewise, the victory we all have gained through collective efforts at the expense of our precious lives should never be betrayed for mere personal gains or advantages while prioritizing concerns for country’s security. Similarly, we all must be alert to any security threats of whatever the form in the future as we march forward towards developments. Although anti Sri Lanka forces are trying to re-emerge at international level, the Army will never allow any divisive anti motherland elements to resurrect, I emphasize as Commander of the Army. Defence Secretary Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa’s directions has given an impetus to the forward march of the Army, I should mention here.
Plans are afoot to raise the morale of the Army personnel by imparting knowledge on new training methods and technological innovations that are much-needed for an Army to be professionally qualified. On the instructions of the Defence Secretary, new courses covering tactics, offensive methods and ground operations are to be introduced for the first time in the history of Sri Lanka Army with a view to sharing our battle experiences with foreign Armies. The first stage of this arrangement gets underway in January with the participation of several foreign Armies and a mammoth international conference themed on the same lines is to be hosted shortly in the mid of the year. This will boost the image of the Army internationally and counter malicious allegations being hurled at our Army with hidden agendas. It will also convince the international community how the Army conducted its humanitarian operations in accordance with international humanitarian laws.
Let me also give my best wishes to the Sri Lankan contingent engaged in peace keeping missions abroad, bringing reputation to the country. Their services are highly commendable and all aspirant soldiers in the Army should make a note of their praise worthy contribution.
Under the capable leadership of the President Mahinda Rajapaksa and on the instructions of the Secretary Defence Mr Gotabaya Rajapaksa, a series of welfare measures, meant to minimize administrative hassles have been launched with the ‘Api Wenuwen Api’ housing programme taking the centre stage. This project has already started building houses for disable soldiers who have their own land with the able support, being given by Ministry of Defence and its Seva Vanitha Branch. What they have done so far is commendable and valuable.
Similarly, the Seva Vanitha Army Branch, engaged in many welfare roles are actively working for the upliftment of living conditions of the War Heroes, War Hero families, disable War Heroes and children of fallen War Heroes by way of house constructions, award of scholarships and numerous other supportive programmes.
‘Brave Hearts’, while collecting funds for its ‘Abimansala’, the special holiday resort for rest and recreation of disable War Heroes at Anuradhapura is expected to declare it open in the first quarter of the new year. The Seva Vanitha Army leading a prominent role in this connection should be commended. The second stage of the ‘Abimansala’ is to be set up in Wayamba and South within this year. Besides, following a concept of the Secretary Defence, a similar centre for rest and recreation is to be a reality in Aththidiya area very shortly.
The Army has produced talented sports and women who have reached international standard. Keeping the proposed Commonwealth Games – 2018 in Sri Lanka in mind, our sports talents have to be promoted and further strengthened. A special ceremony to award colours to sports men and women who excelled both at local and international arena is to be held in January after a lapse of 12 years. This annual event will promote their talents in the coming years.
Let me pay my tribute to all War Heroes who sacrificed their lives, went missing and became disable in their fight against terrorism and defence of the country. My thoughts also go to those War Heroes still lying in hospitals after battlefield injuries and let me wish speedy recovery to all of them. I also recall with respect the contributions made by members of the civil staff who supported us in the fight against terrorism. May they recover soon. I also pay my gratitude to all members of the civil staff who are supporting us in the execution of our duties.
Finally, let the New Year 2011 bring happiness to all of you who have been maintaining the dignity of the Army as a highly disciplined organization. Let all of you have strength and courage from the blessings of the Triple Gem, Sri Dalada and Jayasri Maha Bodhi, enabling all of you to pursue your obligations, devoid of waste and corruption and deception. Let me wish you and members of your family a peaceful and prosperous New Year.
I wish all of you a ‘Suba Anagathayak’ ”
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