16th December 2024 18:08:33 Hours
Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General K.P.A Jayasekara (Retd) WWV RSP VSV USP ndc psc, paid a formal visit to Army Headquarters on 16 December 2024.
Upon his arrival, the Deputy Minister of Defence was welcomed by Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage RWP RSP ndu, Commander of the Army, along with Major General K.A.W.N.H. Bandaranayake USP, Adjutant General of the Sri Lanka Army. In accordance with military traditions, a Guard of Honour was accorded to the visiting Deputy Minister by the troops of the Gemunu Watch. Following this, Principal Staff Officers of the Sri Lanka Army introduced themselves to the visiting dignitary, and a group photograph was taken to mark the occasion at the foyer of Army Headquarters.
During the official meeting in the Commander’s Office, the Deputy Minister of Defence and the Commander of the Army discussed matters of mutual interest and significance. Following this, the Deputy Minister attended a briefing session in the conference hall, conducted by Major General W.P.A.D.W. Nanayakkara RSP VSV USP ndu, Chief of Staff of the Sri Lanka Army where he was appraised of the Army’s current status and future priorities. During this interaction, the Deputy Minister explained the importance of modernising the Army to face the modern threats. He particularly highlighted the need to maintain military decorum while optimising resources.
In his maiden address to the troops at the Army Headquarters, the Deputy Minister of Defence commended the Army’s unwavering commitment to safeguard the nation's sovereignty and territorial integrity. He highlighted the Army’s critical role in maintaining peace and stability while encouraging All Ranks to uphold operational efficiency and discipline in facing challenges.
The event concluded with the Army Chief presenting a memento to the Deputy Minister to commemorate the visit, followed by an All-Ranks tea. To mark the occasion, the Deputy Minister of Defence also penned his remarks in the Visitors' Book.
Principal Staff Officers, Senior Officers, Officers, and Other Ranks participated in the event.
