13th April 2020 08:14:02 Hours
Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army in his New Year message highly Appreciates roles of the Armed Forces in the fight against COVID-19 and Extends New Year Greetings. Here follows the full text of his New Year Message:
MESSAGE ISSUED BY CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF & COMMANDER OF THE ARMY ON ACCOUNT OF THE SINHALA & HINDU NEW YEAR
As the Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, let me extend my best wishes for a happy, healthy and prosperous New Year to all Officers, Other Ranks and Civil Staffers who mark the dawn of another New Year in keeping with traditions. As you know, the period we are now passing is a challenge not only to our country but to the rest of the world in general due to the fast spreading COVID-19 threat.
Although all Sinhalese and Tamils are aware that the New Year which is generally anticipated with glee begins when the Sun moves from Meena Rashiya (the House of Pisces) to Mesha Rashiya (the House of Aries). We all have been compelled to observe those New Year rites and rituals, adhering to social distancing, health guidelines and practices as well as by restricting our movements, as advised by health authorities due to the prevailing circumstances in the country with the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic. I wish to remind you that such practices should be performed with precision while keeping social distancing and interacting only with members of your own family without going out or assembling together to be in keeping with health advice.
It is also time for all of us to lay foundation to turn a new leaf of life, rich with great human qualities as we enter a New Year after completing one more year, which is also regarded as the prime objective of this cultural feast. In the past years, all of us, irrespective of caste or creed commemorated the dawn of the New Year as Sinhalese and Tamils at a given auspicious minute while rekindling hopes of friendship, goodwill and prosperity. Although we have been compelled to observe this year's New Year under restrictions, we must ensure to further improve and strengthen our ties of understanding, unity, reconciliation, equality and goodwill among all of us at this auspicious occasion too while being at home.
At the request of HE the President, our Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, all our Army, Navy and Air Force troops performing a commendable role at a time the Nation is threatened with the COVID-19 threat have been engaged day and night in order to control the spread of this deadly virus by establishing nearly 50 quarantine centres across the country. Your tireless dedication and commitment, needless to reiterate, has received overwhelming public appreciation, and let me also join extending my most sincere gratitude and best wishes to all of you at this auspicious and traditional occasion when the Nation commemorates the dawn of another New Year.
The endorsement you have left among the public as 'Defenders of the Nation' or the guardian has been once again re-asserted and re-endorsed in view of the praiseworthy roles, being executed by you at this critical stage of our history which would join our history as a milestone task. As the Chief of Defence Staff, Commander of the Army and also as the Head of the National Operation Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak, I owe a special word of thanks and take this occasion to highly appreciate your dedicated services for prevention of the Nation from this deadly virus since it was you who laid the ground work from the beginning in an impressive manner for protection of our people.
At the turn of another New Year, I wish all of you, as brave and courageous soldiers who are dedicated to protect the motherland would continue to foster and further promote the dignity, respect and admiration you have so far earned, and be filled with vigour, strength and determination, needed to overcome all challenges in life. Likewise, I recall the valour and sacrifices, made by our War Heroes in defence of the motherland's sovereignty, territorial integrity and independence with deep respect and dignity and also wish to share my New Year thoughts with family members of those fallen War Heroes. I also wish speedy recovery to all wounded War Heroes and share my New Year thoughts with all of their family members, too. Let me also wish all COVID-19-affected Sri Lankans get well and those who died of it attain Nibbana.
I once again take this opportunity to thank all the Officers, Other Ranks and Civil Staffers for the innumerable contributions they are rendering for the best interest of our Nation including those serving UN Peace Keeping missions and sustaining peace and security in our Motherland. I wish you continued strength and wisdom in performing of your responsibilities in the New Year ahead, too. May peace, happiness, good health and prosperity be with you and your families in the year 2020. (Ends)url clone | Ανδρικά Nike
