COMMANDER of the Army Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, making his first visit to the Jaffna peninsula Friday (31) morning after he took office as the 19th Army Commander appreciated and commended the contribution made by Jaffna-based troops during the height of successfully concluded Wanni operations.
Lieutenant General Jayasuriya was received at Palaly by Major General G P R De Silva, Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna (SFHQ-J), 51 Division General Officer Commanding Brigadier P W B Jayasundara and a few more senior officers before he was conducted to the Security Forces Headquarters.
Lieutenant General Jayasuriya at the entrance to the SFHQ-J in conformity with military tradition was accorded a Guard Turnout plus a Guard of Honour by soldiers of the Armoured Corps. To signify his visit to the premises, the visiting Army Chief planted a Mango sapling in the premises and left his signature on the VIP book at the SFHQ-J.
Next on the day’s agenda was his address to the troops, belonging to 51 Division and the SFHQ-J. At the outset, Lieutenant General Jayasuriya offered his profuse thanks to Jaffna troops for their unstinted support, extended during the peak of Wanni operations while holding Jaffna peninsula intact, free from any LTTE violent act. Lieutenant General Jayasuriya admitted that the role of Jaffna troops at that time was overshadowed and not brought to limelight in the media during Wanni battles, but their role was commendable, he said.
All time surveillance and vigil shown by you, the Commander pointed out, has maintained the status quo and it should be continued unhindered. In the near future, in line with the government’s accelerated development programmes, the troops are expected to play a more vigorous and dynamic role in order to achieve the country’s economic targets, he added. Emphasizing the need to maintain the highest degree of discipline among the soldiers, the Commander reminded that no one should try to tarnish the Army image since its popularity is at its peak now among the common masses. He also explained how more and more training opportunities could be made available to all in the future with peace now prevailing.
Before Commander and his entourage flew to 52 and 55 Divisions and Task Force-VII, the Commander honoured fallen War Heroes in Jaffna after placing a floral wreath at the War memorial in the SFHQ-J premises.
Lieutenant General Jayasuriya’s tour to Varani and Veththalkerni was well received by troops in all two Divisions and the Task Force-VII. The visiting Commander was accorded military honours on arrival at both Divisions. He also spoke to the troops attached to 52, 55 Divisions and Task Force-VII and briefed them on current security developments, future roles of the Army and the prevailing public perception on the Army after defeat of LTTE terrorism.
Major General G P R De Silva, Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna (SFHQ-J), Major General Mano Perera, Director General General Staff Major General P P De Silva, General Officer Commanding 55 Division, Brigadier S D T Liyanage, General Officer Commanding 52 Division, Brigadier A W M P R Senevirathne, Commander Task Force-VII and several senior Army officers were associated with the visit.
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