11 October 2021 09:09 am Views - 507
The President gave these assurances at a ceremony held at the Gajaba Regiment Headquarters, at Saliyapura, Anuradhapura, yesterday (10) to mark the 72nd Anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army.
He urged all Sri Lankans to extend their support to move the country forward accurately, under the notion of one country and one law without corruption.
The economy had fallen due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, a great number of tasks have been accomplished for the benefit of the people during that period.
The armed forces in the world are committed not only to war but also to nation-building. Our Tri-forces extended their support to the health sector in carrying out the vaccination drive and quarantine process in order to control the spread of COVID-19. President Rajapaksa expressed gratitude to everyone for their commitment in this regard. The Sri Lanka Army was established under the Army Act No. 17 of 1949. The Sri Lanka Army consists of 25 infantry, support, and service regiments which have played a major role to ensure the security of the country.
The ceremony was organized adhering to health guidelines. President Rajapaksa inaugurated the newly constructed drill ground at the Gajaba Regiment Camp at Saliyapura and handed it over to the war heroes.
Later, the President observed the parade. Over the past two years, national security has been given priority by uplifting the self-esteem of the three Armed Forces and the Intelligence Services, by properly delegating their respective duties. The President emphasized that he was committed to protecting the country from any recurrence of acts of terrorism or religious extremism.
President Rajapaksa said that corruption and fraud would not be tolerated and that all officials should work for the people by making a commitment in this regard.
After addressing the gathering, the President paid tribute to the statue of Major General Vijaya Wimalaratne at the Gajaba Regiment Headquarters and paid a courtesy call on the Regiment Headquarters. President Rajapaksa inaugurated the new administrative building and stadium of the Gajaba Regiment Headquarters and laid the foundation stone for the pavilion. The President inspected the quarters of junior and senior rank officers and the military vehicles that had been repaired and put into operation by the Engineering Corps of the Gajaba Regiment. Army Commander General Shavendra Silva presented a memento to the President marking his visit to the Gajaba Regiment Headquarters. President Rajapaksa placed a note on the book for special guests and planted a sapling marking his visit to the Gajaba Regiment Headquarters.