CDS and Army Commander pays glowing tribute to war heroes in special message

In a special message, Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, one of the most admired war veterans who was at the forefront of the fight against LTTE terrorists, maintains that identical to how war heroes won over terrorists, they would succeed in wiping out the COVID-19 epidemic from our soil with dedicated commitment. Here is the full message:

Eleven years have passed since sacrifices made by heroic Tri-Service, Police and Civil Security Department war heroes as well as all Sri Lankans brought about durable peace to our Motherland after dousing the flames of ferocious terrorism. At this historic milestone, I, as the Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army. would like to issue this message of commemoration over the completion of 11 years of that proud victory.

It is relevant to recall that the statesmanship and leadership of the then President of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Hon. Mahinda Rajapaksa, and the strategic approaches implemented by the incumbent President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was then the Secretary Defence, needless to repeat, laid the concrete basis for eradication of LTTE terrorism that plagued the nation for over three decades. Likewise, unmatched sacrifices made by all Tri-Service Chiefs and our war heroes towards achieving that goal should also be noted and remembered with respect at this moment. 

We, as a nation, were able to mark the golden culmination of that three-decade long brutal terrorism on 18 May 2009. It was due to sheer untiring efforts and numerous sacrifices, made by Army as the biggest land force, Navy, Air Force, Police and Civil Security Department war heroes at the expense of their precious lives who brought about this durable peace. 

A large group of brave and heroic Army war heroes sacrificing their lives and legs and limbs in the performance of national service rendered an invaluable contribution towards restoration of peace, protection of territorial integrity, unitary status and sovereignty of the Motherland from the beginning to the end of the military operations, a fact that should be recalled with much respect.

At the same time, let me recall with deep respect the noble dedication and commitment shown by dear ones in war hero families by providing all the support to their loved ones at war with terrorists. Similarly, it is with respect I mention here that members of the civil staff in the Army, irrespective of threats posed to their own lives, performed their roles in an excellent manner.

In the aftermath of the humanitarian operations during the past decade, we have skilfully managed to contain and administer all catastrophes in our motherland while contributing to essentially important country’s development process in an impressive way. We achieved that capability by correctly identifying timely challenges and reacting in the best manner in a professional way.

As of today, as a country we are relentlessly working to overcome new challenges. While the COVID-19 pandemic has affected all the countries in the world, our country while controlling this epidemic in a successful manner has set an example to the region and all other countries as well. The able guidance, being given by HE the President, Hon. Prime Minister and Secretary Defence in the management of this epidemic is far-sighted and highly commendable. 

Similarly, the support I received from Navy and Air Force Commanders and sailors, airmen and health staff in the arrest of this plague as Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army and Head of the National Centre for Prevention is recorded here with gratitude since it was a motivating gesture in the performance of that process. Particularly, all brave soldiers of the Army who are engaged in their praiseworthy roles in the arrest of COVID-19 epidemic since the outbreak of it here in our country deserve my praise and deep gratitude at this important juncture.

Sri Lanka Army in the past as well as at present have come forward as defenders of the nation whenever the country is faced with any catastrophe on behalf of its citizens. We should also determine to work in the same way in future too. I recall with gratitude and utmost respect the numerous roles, being played by Army personnel day and night against transmission of this fatal virus, irrespective of threats posed to their own lives. I am fully confident that we would overcome this challenge, too without fail.

As heroic members of the Army, who rooted out the LTTE terrorism from this soil, we, as those who would protect the lives of our citizenry should be dedicated to fulfil those responsibilities as brave members of the present Army. To do that, let me wish you be filled with all strength, luck and courage all the time. I pray all war heroes who laid their lives in the operations against terrorism attain supreme bliss of nirvana and wish all injured war heroes still under recuperation speedy recovery at this important moment of commemoration.

Finally, let all members of the Army have necessary courage and strength to emerge in future as a nation which has made a niche in the world map as a land which rose up as a self-sufficient and healthy nation, having eradicated the COVID-19 outbreak in near future.