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Sri Lanka Army

Defender of the Nation

State Minister of Defence Shares Views with Troops in Kilinochchi, Mullaittivu, Wanni &;amp; Trincomalee During His First Visit

The second-day programme of the State Minister of Defence, Ruwan Wijewardene's first formal visit to the North in his ministerial capacity after assumption of office, began in Kilinochchi on Saturday (7), together with defence chiefs where he spoke to a cross section of the troops and assured them of continued enhancement of welfare facilities and provision of all requirements for their duties.
 
Soon after his arrival there from Jaffna (see separate story), he was received by Major General Sudantha Ranasinghe, Commander, Security Force Headquarters - Kilinochchi (SFHQ-KLN) before the troops saluted him according military honours. Kilinochchi Commander presenting a briefing, explained him the roles and tasks of his troops at present in Kilinochchi. During his interaction with hundreds of troops at Nelum Piyasa auditorium a few minutes later, he insisted that the national security concerns are a priority and there would not be any troop withdrawal or removal from the north. Before he left Kilinochchi, he signed the Visitors' Book leaving memories of his visit to the SFHQ-KLN.

Afterwards, the visiting Minister and his retinue flew to Mullaittivu where he was welcomed by Major General Jagath Dias, Commander, Security Force Headquarters - Mullaittivu (SFHQ-MLT) and greeted in a Guard Turnout and a Guard of Honour in conformity with military formalities. The Minister later listened to a briefing, presented by Major General Jagath Dias on current tri-service engagements in the area.

Minister afterwards was invited to speak to the troops serving Mullaittivu. He noted that everything possible would be done by the government to provide all welfare measures to the soldiers who are committed to preserve the territorial integrity of the country. He also noted the importance of maintaining the status quo in relation to the national security. Before his exit, he signed the Visitors' Book at the SFHQ-MLT.

As the final leg of the day's itinerary, the Minister later on arrived at Vavuniya Security Force Headquarters - Wanni (SFHQ-W) to be received by Major General Boniface Perera, Commander, SFHQ-W. A Guard Turnout and a Guard of Honour presented arms and saluted him on arrival at the venue. Minutes later, Major General Boniface Perera enlightened the visiting Minister on the series of community projects being carried out by his troops and the security arrangements in place.

As was the practice elsewhere, the Minister shared a couple of views with the troops serving the Wanni after a while and made his observations in front of a gathering of officers and soldiers who were there to listen to him. At the invitation of Major General Boniface Perera, the Minister had the rare distinction of opening a new Officers' Mess building inside the SFHQ-W premises around the same time.

Chief of Defence Staff, Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake, Commander of the Army, Navy and Air Force Commanders were associated with the Minister's tour in the North. At respective SFHQs, all GOC, Brigade Commanders, Commandants and Unit Commanders were present to listen to the Minister.

Meanwhile, the Minister Wijewardene Sunday (8) morning visited the 22 Division Headquarters at Trincomalee of the Security Force Headquarters - East (SFHQ-E) where he was received by the General Officer Commanding, 22 Division in the company of Major General Lal Perera, Commander, SFHQ-E.

Formal military honours, briefing, troop address and visits to Soldier’s Mess Rooms, Billets and Clubs in the premises were included in the itinerary in Trincomalee.

The Minister also reviewed a proposed plan for construction of a Mess Hall of the Other Ranks.

Service Chiefs were present during these tours.