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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

14th April 2022 09:07:29 Hours

Let us Be Further Dedicated to Our Professional Roles in the New Year !

General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army in his New Year message shares best wishes and extends New Year Greetings to all in the Army. Here follows the full text of his New Year Message:

MESSAGE OF THE CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF AND COMMANDER OF THE ARMY ON THE DAWN OF SINHALA AND TAMIL NEW YEAR 2022

At this auspicious hour during the transition of the sun from Meena Rashi (House of Pisces) to Mesha Rashi (House of Aries) and when all Sri Lankans celebrate the traditional cultural festival of Sinhala and Tamil New Year, let me also extend my warm seasonal greetings to all members of the Sri Lanka Army.

The dawn of the Sinhala and Hindu New year festival marks the unity, strength, Sri Lankan traditional culture, affability and reconciliation between peoples. It symbolizes and highlights the inseparable union between man and nature. This cultural festival mainly focuses on the possibilities of laying a new basis for a better future, rich with human virtues and values as it dawns.

I must recollect that the previous year was a very challenging year for all Sri Lankans as well as all members of the Sri Lanka Army due to the pandemic of Covid-19 in Sri Lanka. While performing those duties, the Sri Lanka Army’s exceptionally varied operational commitment towards Sri Lanka’s preventive roles, inclusive of the control of the pandemic was a national endeavour, indeed second to none, undertaken by the Army. The Army’s role for that dedicated task must be appreciated.

In addition to that, the establishment of the Green Agriculture Operation Centre which was implemented on the directions of HE the President was practically successful and we all can be very proud since we are the contributors to it, too. Also, the Sri Lanka Army is consistently working towards the promotion of a society where everybody can live in peace and reconciliation in a united country. For this, I appreciate the contribution extended by you on behalf of the Nation and I expect the same dedication towards the motherland with the dawn of this New Year 2022.

We are commemorating this year's Sinhala and Hindu New Year at a time when the whole country is encroaching on a difficult economic situation. Since its inception, the Sri Lanka Army has been recognized as the only organization which serves the betterment of the country's people. Even during such a difficult situation, I'm delighted to admit that our Army has displayed its professionalism and discipline, not only to the nation but also to the international community.

Furthermore, I highly trust your utmost dedication, courage, and understanding towards the public during this difficult situation prevailing around the country, and I firmly believe that you would perform your duties, entrusted to you without tarnishing the reputation of the Army despite attempts being made to discourage you and belittle our organization. Also, I highly speculate on the theme of "Nothing Impossible" at this challenging period and expect your continuous assistance to win this "battle" on behalf of the country. Also, it is your responsibility to maintain the good reputation among the public towards the Army while performing duties for the national security of the country.

Moreover, the Army’s visionary concept, 'Way Forward Strategy 2020-2025', has made great strides during the past year. Accordingly, the Army undertook several developmental projects; several of them have been completed and handed over to the public. Also, a new loan scheme; 'Viru Abhimana' was launched recently for all Army personnel to provide a new house to each and everyone in the Army. Also, it is worth mentioning that all ranks of the Army received their timely promotions by making a record in the Army history with the approval of the Defence Ministry. Also, I would like to extend my sincere wishes for all infrastructure development being carried out by every Regimental Centre, Brigade, Training school including all camp premises around the country following my instructions.

Finally, I wish that you would be blessed with strength, courage and best of luck in this Sinhala and Hindu New Year to discharge duties entrusted to you as a dedicated and disciplined set of soldiers as Defenders of the Nation. I convey my heartiest wishes to all serving members of the Army and peacekeeping missions, family members of fallen war heroes and serving members, civil staffers and their family members and wish all in the Army a very happy and prosperous New Year which would realize all your dreams and hopes.

Wishing all of you a Happy New Year !

SHAVENDRA SILVA WWV RWP RSP VSV USP NDC psc Mphil

General

Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army