While providing national security and being alert to any threats or disasters or any other challenges whatsoever, Army Commander Gen. Shavendra Silva said  it is mandatory for the Army to be in a state of all time preparedness.

He said the Army was able to provide invaluable services and commitment to fight against COVID-19 pandemic and protect public in a convincing and confident manner.

In his Independence Day message, the Commander said as members of the Army, a proud organization have been able to actively support contain those betraying the country's freedom, anti social acts, such as drug trafficking and underworld crimes and terror elements in the recent span of time.

Full Message

After the fall of ancient Sri Lankan kingdoms and ending the 400 years of colonial rule from the year 1505 to 1948 under the Portugese, Dutch and British imperialism, I am delighted to issue this message as the Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army in the democratic and socialist republic of Sri Lanka on the occasion of commemorating the 73rd Independence day.

Our past patriotic forefathers and ancestors at the expense of their precious lives fought against foreign aggressors and then rulers to free the country from clutches of imperialism. As a result of exceptional skills in warfare and military tactics, shown by our forefathers, extensive damage was caused to foreign aggressors and those warfare skills.

Stand to-date as models that supply solid and current examples both at tactical and strategic levels, a fact that I strongly admire. The freedom struggles pursued by patriots and agitational campaigns, triggered by national leaders, together with strategic approaches no doubt paved the way for us to receive Independence on 4th February 1948

In the past 73 years, the Army as the defender of the nation and the one who defended the territorial integrity and sovereignty, irrespective of varying challenges that stood against the country has committed to the freedom of the country. As members of the much respected Army, we can be proud having crushed the 30-year long separatist LTTE terrorism on 18 May 2009 and bringing the true meaning of freedom to the motherland while taking the lead in that monumental achievement. It is equally worthwhile to remember that we as members of this proud organization have been able to actively support contain those betraying the country's freedom, anti social acts, like drug trafficking and underworld crimes and terror elements in the recent span of time.

While providing national security and being alert to any threats or disasters or any other challenge whatsoever, it is mandatory for the Army to be in a state of all time preparedness. In the past near one year, let me recall with gratitude the invaluable services and commitment shown by you throughout in our efforts to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and protect our own countrymen from this threat in a convincing and confident manner.

Elegant and magnificent military parades that depict our strength, commemorative ceremonies, our traditions, rites and rituals, cultural heritage, etc remained a prominent and binding feature while commemorating our past freedom fighters as a traditional feature from time immemorial but current health guidelines have compelled us to hold those ceremonials in a restricted manner. It is our bounden national duty to adhere to those guidelines, despite the impact it has brought on the country's continued economic growth and development and resolve ourselves determinedly to overcome such challenges too.

On the completion of 73 years of independence to the motherland, I recall cherished memories of gallantry, bravery and fearlessness of our forefathers and national heroes with utmost reverence who at the expense of their own lives dedicated for the country's sovereignty and take the opportunity to wish they attained supreme bliss of 'Nirvana'. Likewise, all our fallen War Heroes are remembered with enormous respect and let me wish speedy recovery to all those wounded and still under rehabilitation and recuperation.

I firmly believe all Officers, Other Ranks, Sri Lanka's UN Peacekeepers, Civil Staffers and others in the Army while performing an excellent service to the country regardless of day or night as being members of a dignified Army deserve my special appreciative thank for sustenance of those duties further in future too for the sake of the country. On this historic day, I fondly remember all those retired War Heroes who had rendered a notable service to the country providing a stimulus to our War Heroes and also members of their families. In conclusion, on the occasion of commemorating this momentous 73rd Independence Day, I wish all our dignified members of the Army have all necessary strength, courage and determination with the blessings of noble Triple Gem to overcome any challenges that might arise against the State or its people in a convincing and successful manner. May a victorious future dawn on all of you !