THE NEW SALARY increase and the special hard lying allowance granted by His Excellency the President Mahinda Rajapaksa to members of the Security Forces will be paid with their November salary, as it was promised by the President himself during his recent visit to Thunukkai.
This was revealed by Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya addressing over 2000 soldiers including senior officers and other ranks serving under the Security Forces Headquarters-south (SFHQ-S) in Panagoda Monday (16) morning.
Major General Lalith Daulagala, Commander SFHQ-S received the Army Commander on his arrival at Panagoda Army Base where no Army Chief had visited since 2003.
A Guard Turnout and a Guard of Honour was accorded by the Regiment of Sri Lanka Artillery to the visiting Commander who walked across many important sections such as the Directorates of Pay and Records (P & R) and Army Benevolent Fund at the Panagoda Army Cantonment. Brief presentations prepared on the instructions of Director P & R Brigadier Sunil Wanniarchchi and Director Army Benevolent Fund Brigadier Keneth Edema were presented for the Commander at respective venues.
Prompt actions were taken to solve some of the problems of fallen Heroes with regard to their pay and allowances when the Commander met next of kin of those fallen Heroes present at the premises.
Commander further said that it was the same Army that waged war against the LTTE for thirty years, but political leadership led Security Forces to achieve the victory.
Commander said that the President, impressed with soldiers’ commitment to eliminate terrorism from the soil, decided to grant the salary increase in appropriation of their service with no demands.
During his address to officers and soldiers at the gymnasium at Panagoda Army cantonment, Army Commander reminded that it was the President and the Secretary Defence who served as a buffer zone against international pressure while allocating funds to continue the war. He further said we, being members of one of the world’s most recognized Armies, should preserve its reputation and should not engage in acts that tarnish its good name. Engaging in active politics whilst in uniform is not allowed to Security Forces members and they should be loyal to the governance, said the Commander.
Lt. Gen. Jayasuriya commended the gathering stating that he was fully aware of the service rendered by the soldiers in the south ensuring security in Colombo and elsewhere in the south and coordinating administrative and logistic matters for successful completion of the Humanitarian Operation. He extended his gratitude to them for the services rendered by them on behalf of the President and the Secretary Defense.
Parchment enclosed with a letter of appreciation signed by the Army Commander will be given to each and every member of the Army as a token of recognition of their contribution towards the war victory, it was announced during the address.
On Commander’s personal request, the President has agreed to allocate extra Rs. 500 million to grant loans for soldiers during 2008 and 2009, it was informed during the address.
Pointing out the welfare measures being continued for soldiers, the Commander said that Ranaviru Village built by “Api Venuven Api” funds will be handed over to soldiers on 22nd November. In addition, he added, holiday bungalows will be built at all places of tourist importance in the island for Army members so that they could use them at cheaper rates to spend them holidays with the families.
The Commander finally reminded the audience that it is Army’s duty to extend assistance to north and east development projects as expected by the government.
Speaking separately to officers at the Regimental Centre Sri Lanka Light Infantry (SLLI), the Commander highlighted the necessity of looking into the needs of other ranks. He asked the officers to interview them regularly and assist them when and where necessary. He took time off to fondle and feed the SLLI’s mascot Kandula at the Regimental Centre.
Maj. Gen. Daulagala and Brigadier Keneth Edema presented plaques to the Commander in appreciation of his services and presance.
Senior officers of all Army formations under the SFHQ (S) attended the function.
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