THE Sri Lanka Army’s 60th Anniversary marks a very significant milestone in the history of the Army being the year in which it won, decisively the war against terrorism. As the 19th Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, it gives me immense pleasure to write this message on this auspicious occasion.
With the advent of the Second World War in 1939 the Ceylon Defence Force was mobilised. Subsequently a reorganised Ceylon Defence Force that comprised of a regular Artillery Unit, an Engineer unit, 5 Ceylon Light Infantry Battalions and with expanded signals, medical and logistics units to meet the requirement was established. With the dawn of the Independence the decision to raise an Army was made and accordingly the government took steps to establish a regular and professional force On 10th October 1949. This fledgling Army today has expanded to a well-equipped Army of 24 professional Regiments. Today, with the defeat of terrorism that plagued the country for over 3 decades we have established that the Sri Lanka Army is a professional organisation.
The synchronisation of, the strong political will and courage of His Excellency the President Mr Mahinda Rajapaksa to defeat terrorism against tremendous odds, the inspiring leadership of the Secretary Defence, Honourable Gotabaya Rajapaksa RWP RSP psc and the guidance and direction of Chief of Defence Staff General GSC Fonseka RWP RSP VSV USP rcds psc along with the support from the Sri Lanka Navy, Sri Lanka Air Force, the Sri Lanka Police and the Civil Defence Force are the main factors that led the Army to victory in the humanitarian operations launched to establish the government writ and to free all areas of our beloved motherland from the clutches of terrorism.
Being the Security Force Commander Wanni prior to assuming Command of this prestigious Army I was able to witness first hand the many sacrifices made under trying conditions by the Officers and Other Ranks of the Army. Today, as the Commander of the Army, I take this opportunity to honour and appreciate the dedication and commitment of all the Officers and Other ranks of the Army. You have done well, and today we live in a country free from terrorism.
At this hour of glory I remember all those Officers and Other Ranks who made the supreme sacrifice and all the Officers and men who are disabled. To their families, I wish them courage to endeavour the loss and pain. To the Army and the nation it is my honour and duty to remind you that we shall be glad that such heroes lived among us and we shall not at any moment mourn their loss but be inspired by them.
With the defeat of terrorism in the country I must remind you that the responsibility of the Army has not ended but has only increased. It is the duty of every one of you to ensure that the values of democracy be upheld in all areas of our motherland. The commitment of the Sri Lanka Army to create a conducive environment for all ethnic communities in Sri Lanka to live in harmony will continue steadfastly. Further, assisting the civil authorities to re-establish normalcy in the north and east is of our country will remain a one of our foremost obligations.
As in the past, today the Sri Lanka Army’s’ contribution of troops for United Nations Humanitarian Missions in many parts of the World is a clear reflection of the recognition the Sri Lanka Army has gained over the years. I commend all those troops who are responsibly fulfilling this national obligation.
On this occasion it is my bounded duty to recognise and appreciate the contribution of the Army Seva Vanitha Branch towards the welfare of all those officers and other ranks injured and to the next of kin of all those officers and other ranks who made the supreme sacrifice.
Finally I thank the general public for their un-stinted support to the Sri Lanka Army in their fulfillment of this national undertaking.
May peace prevail in our beloved motherland.
