Published on - 12/6/2005
Inaugurating the office of the 18th Army Commander in the Army, Lieutenant General G. S. C Fonseka on Tuesday (06) appealed all his soldiers to dedicate themselves to protect the country\'s sovereignty & territorial integrity by contributing to the sustenance of relatively peaceful atmosphere in the north and east. Here is the full text of his message addressed to troops on assuming the office:
\" It gives me pleasure to take over the duties of this exalted office as 18th Commander of the Army. I regard it as an honour and a successful achievement bestowed upon me. I am fully aware of the arduous task and responsibilities entrusted to me in this capacity as Commander and at this auspicious occasion, I pledge that I would be fully dedicated to perform those responsibilities to the best of my ability.
All Sri Lankans hold the Army in high esteem for its sacred role in safeguarding the country\'s territorial integrity and sovereignty, despite all threats and difficulties because the Army having understood its responsibilities, is marching forward. In the future too, Sri Lankans expect peace prospects with dignity and we are expected to clear the road for that.
We should be determined and dedicated to bring peace to our motherland and ensure all communities across the country live in harmony protecting the unitary status of the country after bringing all types of conflicts in our soil to an end.
We also should dedicate ourselves to preserve Buddhism as well as all other religions in the country while protecting the Sri Lankan nation as enshrined in our Constitution. We should also be determined to extend our unstinted support to His Excellency the President, as Commander-in –Chief of the Armed Forces and the Government at all times in the fulfillment of those responsibilities.
The Sri Lankan nation appreciates the maturity and the service being shown and rendered by the Army in its efforts to sustain the ongoing peaceful atmosphere with the ceasefire agreement and the peace process. It is our bounden duty to further preserve the status quo with utmost patience and promote such prospects as an Army without falling ourselves prey to provocative moves or other incited acts.
Arrangements will also be taken to afford more and more training opportunities for soldiers in order to ensure that they are fully geared to undergo any challenges or difficulties in the pursuit of duties.
Plans are also afoot to introduce more and more welfare measures and solve a number of other shortcomings as regards housing, education, school admissions, transport, etc of the soldiers while ensuring other facilities to those serving in the north and east of the country. Facilities and requirements of ex-Army personnel are also to be addressed. I will also ensure that welfare of the Ranaviru families of the War Heroes who paid the supreme sacrifice during the two-decade long war is well taken care giving priority.
Sri Lanka Army is an honorable institute. Its service is supreme. It receives national commendation. It should maintain highest moral grounds and elements of discipline. They should behave themselves in front of the public in a dignified and praiseworthy manner without giving any inconvenience to others. They should be courteous. No public funds should be wasted or any corruption executed within the organization. I underline that all of you should work with responsibility to dispense with all forms of corruption and wastage. I also wish to remind you that resources belonging to the Army should not be abused or misappropriated.
Everybody in the Army should place the Motherland and the nation in the first place before self-interests. During my tenure, all those who excel and show exceptional talents would be rewarded according to their merits.
I have understood the Army's shortcomings, scarcities and other issues that need to be addressed. I am fully aware of the shortage of military equipment and other essential items. In the future, it is my fervent desire to transform the Army to a fully geared modern organization, complete with modern equipment and fighting skills.
All measures would be adopted to treat all infantry and other service units alike and their grievances, if any would be attended. My rise to this office was a one full of challenges and setbacks, and I pay a special tribute to all my teachers, parents and all well-wishers on assumption of my duties. I also recall contributions made by my wife and two daughters with gratitude.
I am aware of the noble task of the media personnel that can be harnessed for the betterment of our country. Their service and dedication for the Motherland is unique and I wish to maintain good relations with them particularly in our work connected to the protection of our country's unitary status. I believe they would give their fullest cooperation to me in this connection. My particular appeal to journalists in Sri Lanka is not to use the media for any personal image building in the Army but the organization in its entirety for national interests.
Finally, I appeal all of you to carry out your duties with determination in order to defend the territorial integrity and sovereignty of the Motherland and join together to maintain law and order in our society. May the Triple Gem and all deities bless you.\"
