'Transformation of the Army Itself is an Achievement During my Tenure' - Army Commander

Smooth transformation of a wartime Army into that of a peacetime, needed a lot of efforts, and I was able to achieve it with success during my tenure as Commander of the Army, thanks to the support, extended by you all, so said General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army when he met the troops serving Jaffna peninsula on Monday (8) morning. 

‘After the War, Sri Lanka Army was hailed as the best one in the world and it has now become the best Army in the post- war era at present because you all, soldiers proved the world that Sri Lanka Army is a unique entity with dignity and discipline. Transforming an Army, oriented to the needs of the battlefield for over three decades into being one of the best peacetime organizations, required a great deal of effort and hard work, but this challenge was well-managed during my office as the Commander,’ General Jayasuriya addressing the troops said.

‘My promotion to the rank of General while in service and appointment as the Chief of Defence Staff, effective from August 1st is a reflection of the appreciation, attributed to my commitment by HE the President and Secretary Defence and Urban Development, for which I am most grateful. It symbolizes the faith both of them have reposed in me as I believe,’ the Commander claimed.

Cataloguing the series of welfare programmes underway within the Army, the Commander pointed out that soldiers are the beneficiaries of all those projects, such as housing loans, construction of rehabilitation centres, wellness resorts, low-cost grocery services, medical facilities so on and so forth.

‘Before the end of this year, the ten-storied Narahenpita Military Hospital is to be opened with well-equipped units as the one with the highest number of beds in the country and the new Insurance Scheme for all ranks is to be a reality before the end of this year’, the Commander added. 

In his address, the Commander further underlined the importance of maintaining the standards of the organization at all times without being subject to any sort of criticism. “Your loyalty to the organization is the driving force that takes it to the victory, like how all of us strived to defeat terrorism in the North a few years ago. Your commitment with determination can weather any challenge and help you become a professional soldier,” General Jagath Jayasuriya stated.

Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe, Security Force Commander, Jaffna welcomed the visiting Commander of the Army on arrival at the Security Force Headquarters-Jaffna. A large representative gathering of all ranks listened to the Commander who was in Jaffna to take leave of them before he assumes duties as new Chief of Defence Staff.