Army Chief says peace restored, calls for students to return to school

Saturday, 18 May 2019 00:10 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Army Commander Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake said the military has fulfilled its responsibility in restoring peace in the country, and urged the public to resume their daily routine and send their children to school.

“There is a peaceful environment in our country now. Therefore, during Vesak period, clearly engage in day-to-day activities. The Government has declared Monday a holiday. So, on 21 May, send the children to schools. There is no problem in going to work or continuing daily activities,” the Army Commander said at a religious event on Friday.

The Army Commander said the nation should be stronger and the adults should set an example to the children. “If the adults frighten the children by not sending them to school, then there is a problem. Parents should take more leadership as citizens of the country,” he said. A special service was held yesterday at the St. Mary’s Church in Bambalapitiya for the victims of the terrorist attack on Easter Sunday under the patronage of Archbishop of Colombo Malcolm Cardinal Ranjith. A large number of officials including the Army Commander attended.

Speaking at the event, Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said everyone should strive to protect the lives of people.

“We must protect the lives of all the people. A government exists for that purpose. An army exists for that task. The police also exist for that purpose. Laws and regulations in the country are to protect the people. Therefore, we must commit ourselves to protecting the most valuable human life,” he said.

The Archbishop said he feels sorry for those people who with their hearts full of hatred destroyed the lives of children, youth, and elderly people without a care for even their own lives. (Colombopage)