Army marks 71st anniversary

Army Commander Shavendra Silva yesterday released a statement to mark the 71st anniversary of the Sri Lanka army praising it for the dedication and sacrifice to protect the country and calling for continued service to ensure security, peace and harmony.  

The full statement is given below. 

“The Sri Lanka Army; the ‘Defender of the Nation and its People’ today, passes the 71st milestone of its victorious journey in safeguarding the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our motherland. In this historical moment, I, as the 23rd Commander of the Army, take pride in passing this congratulatory message with best wishes.

“I pay my respect for the past Army Commanders, serving and retired. All ranks and Civil Staff for their relentless contribution during the legendary journey of the Army since 10 October 1949. In addition, my tribute goes to their beloved family members for their great sacrifice on the home front.

“In this memorable moment, I extend my profound gratitude to President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, and Defence Secretary Major General (Retd.) G. D. H. Kamal Gunaratne for the leadership, direction and insight rendered for the advancement of the Army. 

Since its inception, the Army has been the frontier force in safeguarding the motherland from multifaceted threats, challenges, and vulnerabilities. I place my gratitude upon the commitment of the Army during the recent mishaps, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. The selfless contributions made by the Army personnel in the face of danger to their own lives are valued by the entire nation as well as the Sri Lankans abroad. Our great people who endured the difficulties in support of the Army to curb the deadly pandemic also deserve sincere appreciation. “Army personnel need to acquire further tactical and technical competencies in every relevant field and develop a positive attitude in the future journey. In order to be abreast with modern technologies, necessary transformations in systems, concepts, and training are underway to make the members effective, efficient, and competent.  “As a responsible armed force, it is our prime duty to partner for enabling a conducive environment for economic, social and cultural advancement as a nation. Therefore, I expect all members of the Sri Lanka Army will actively and effectively contribute to the Army initiated projects and programs including ‘Thuru Mithuru Nawa Ratak,’ which is aimed at prospering the nation through agriculture. “The Army has been a legend in the field of sports with the victories achieved during the past 71 years, and new initiatives are underway to uplift the sports facilities and provide necessary backing by sharing sports facilities of the Army with all sportsmen and women including civilians and school children. “Under the direction of the President, programs and initiatives are in place to uplift the basic needs of the serving members and to ensure the wellbeing of the differently-abled war heroes, retired members and families of fallen war heroes. Further, coinciding with the 71st anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army, 514 Officers and 14,140 other ranks have received their promotions. Accordingly, 1,984 officers and 41,910 other ranks have been promoted to their subsequent ranks since I assumed the office as the Commander of the Army. “I pray for all the great fallen war heroes of the Army may attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana and wish a quick recovery for the members injured during the tour of duty. I extend my best wishes to the serving and retired all ranks, troops deployed in UN Peacekeeping Missions and civil staff, and all their family members to prosper with good health, wealth, and happiness in the future.

“Finally, I once again express my profound gratitude for the exemplary efforts taken by all members to promote coexistence and harmony among all communities, with an earnest aspiration that all ranks and civil staff of the Army will continue to render their service as the defenders of the nation and its people.”