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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

Commander Pays his Maiden Visits to Eastern Brigades &;amp; Extols Sacrifices

LIEUTENANT GENERAL Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of the Army after his assumption of office as Army Chief several months ago paid his maiden visits to the Brigades in the Eastern province and met a large section of officers and soldiers serving there on Friday (12) for the first time.

The day’s itinerary of the Commander kicked off with his visit to the 234 Brigade Headquarters at Kallady where he was warmly received by Brigadier M.H. Bonifus Perera, General Officer Commanding 23 Division on arrival at the premises.

A guard turnout greeted the visiting Army Chief at the entrance to the 234 Brigade Headquarters Complex. Minutes after it was over, senior officers at the Brigade Headquarters were introduced to the Commander, which is regarded as one of the rare chances of a lifetime to an Officer. The next moment saw the Commander getting to his feet to address a cross section of the officers and soldiers under command to the Brigade.

Lieutenant General Jayasuriya’s next stop was at 232 Brigade Headquarters, Thoppigala, the famous Baron’s Cap which added a special chapter to the recently concluded Humanitarian Operations in the east after liberation of famous Mavil Aru anicut. The Army Chief was received on arrival at 232 Brigade Headquarters by acting Commander, 232 Brigade Lieutenant Colonel D.S.T.B. Dissanayake who afterwards invited the visiting Commander to inspect the guard turnout, accorded in his honour at the entrance to the Headquarters precincts. In conformity with military traditions the officers serving the Brigade were afterwards introduced to the visiting Commander of the Army.     

The next item on the agenda was the Commander’s address to a cross-section of officers and soldiers serving 231 and 232 Brigades. 

The third leg of the day’s programme started when the Commander reached 233 Brigade Headquarters at Vakarai where he was welcomed by Colonel T.D. Weerakoon, Commander 233 Brigade. Lieutenant General Jayasuriya after inspecting the guard turnout accorded in connection with his visit to the complex shook hands with all officers serving the 233 Brigade. As was the case elsewhere, the Commander delivered his message loud and clear afterwards to the Officers and soldiers.

The final leg of the Commander’s day’s itinerary took place at Punani 23 Division Headquarters where he was warmly greeted by Colonel C.H.D.P. Chandrasekara Colonel General Staff, 23 Division and accorded the traditional guard turnout in his honour. All senior officers serving the Division met the Commander afterwards and extended their greetings to the visiting military chief. A large section of officers and soldiers later on listened to their Commander before the programme for the day culminated for lunch.

Lieutenant Colonel D.M.A.P. Dissanayake, Commander 231 Brigade, Colonel S.S. Waduge, Commander 234 Brigade and several senior officers were associated with the Commander’s visit to the east. 

Lieutenant General Jayasuriya during his separate interaction with troops at Kallady, Thoppigala, Vakarai and Punani extolled numerous sacrifices made by War Heroes at the risk of their own lives, blood, sweat, legs and limbs.

Here is the full text of the Commander’s address in the East;

This is my first visit to Brigade Headquarters that come under 23 Division area, although I visited the 23 Division and Security Forces Headquarters in the East earlier.
 
Even at present those who had connections with terrorists and the Tamil Diaspora overseas are still discussing the possibility of establishing a state of Eelam according to information we received, although the military wing of separatism was defeated on 18th May last year. Therefore as an Army which has the responsibility to protect the country, we deployed a large number of troops in Northern and Eastern areas not for offensive duties but for observations or intelligence duties. Specially, if any group takes up arms again as terrorists we must be ready to face such a situation.

In addition, the recently concluded Presidential Election was conducted in the entire country without any obstructions from terrorists as against  the case in earlier elections and a Parliamentary Election  would be held in the near future. The Army has the duty to help the Police maintaining law and order during election time. I believe that the Army troops would continue their normal duties better in the North and East establishing security in the area during election times.

For the convenience of you and your relatives visiting the areas that they have never visited before the Army is planning to establish holiday resorts in the areas where they are not available presently and the lands have already been allocated in Nilaveli and Yala areas for this purpose. The members of the Army can now draw decent salaries with the Rs.1000/= salary increase given by HE the President during his Mulangavil visit. In addition, allowances paid only for those who serve in North and East have been extended to those who serve in other areas according to my request. Another Rs.2500/= minimum salary increment is scheduled with the presentation of the budget next April.
 
Special attention would be given to training in 2010 since the newly recruited soldiers during the last two years did not get proper training since they were engaged in Wanni humanitarian operations. Another area that drew special attention was the welfare of officers and soldiers who were totally disabled during the war. A special programme has already been initiated with the help of the government to look after them throughout their life time. Steps have already been taken to establish a special “wellness resort” in Anuradhapura while plans are afoot to establish such centres at provincial level for convenience of the disable soldiers. They would be provided with all facilities considering special needs of them and their relatives and friends can also be with them for some time in those resorts. A new programme is also initiated for the welfare of disable War Heroes with the aim of encouraging them.

I must specify the importance of maintaining discipline and loyalty among troops and the need of behaving without tarnishing the image of the Army. The responsibility of the security forces is to do their duties loyally towards the government in power and their aim should not be engaged in politics.

In conclusion, I am happy that I am able to visit the Brigades though the Army Commanders in recent times were unable to do so and my wish is to see that everybody carry out their duties without breaching discipline and honour of the Army even in the future. (Ends)