Commander's mother unit salutes its colonel of the regiment

Dedication of soldiers, contribution of their families and support of Media towards the Sri Lanka Army during the Wanni humanitarian operation was once again brought to memory and commended by Commander of the Army General Sarath Fonseka during a military ceremony in Mullaittivu Friday (19) morning.

The special military ceremony was held in Mullaittivu at the first Battalion Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment (1 SLSR), to which the Commander himself belongs. It was also meant to appreciate Army Commander's service to the country and also to recognize his competent and laudable leadership which led the Army towards its victory in the end.Troops of the 1 SLSR accorded a Guard of Honour to their Commander who is also the Colonel of the SLSR Regiment.

After addressing all ranks representing 53 and 55 Divisions and Task Force-8 on Vellamullivaikkal beach where Farah-III ship is presently lying, Gen. Sarath Fonseka visited the 59 Division Headquarters in Mullaittivu where he was accorded another Guard of Honour on arrival.

Afterwards Gen. Sarath Fonseka spoke to all Officers and Other Ranks present on the occasion, shared a couple of views with them and appreciated their dedication, shown for the country's liberation.

Addressing media personnel who accompanied him, Army Commander said that soldiers' high morale and perseverance backed the Army's victory against terrorism. Nearly 100,000 new recruits joined the Army, thus raising the strength to some 200,000. He, during his speech, thanked parents, wives, children and loved ones of soldiers' families who inspired their family members to join the Army. A special word of thanks was also attributed to the contribution of the health service sector, particularly the hospital staff and medical personnel who worked tirelessly round the clock to treat soldiers. They prioritized it considering it as a national mission.

The visiting Army Chief underlined that while fighting the war, the Army continued to take part in parades, sports and many other military and national events elsewhere. Army sportsmen secured the trophy for football champions after 23 years, Commander added. Media institutions that imparted strength to the Army reporting factual and accurate information on the war should be praised. Our soldiers' dedication and their achievements during the fighting need to be highly lauded, he noted.

Commander reminded that he performed his duty as Commander of the Army following instructions of his Commander-in-Chief, His Excellency, the President. Before concluding his address, Gen. Sarath Fonseka said that celebration of this victory need to be handed over to the future generation, so that they would be able to assess in correct perspective, giving its deserving value.

Commander Security Forces Headquarters-Mullaittivu Major General Nandana Udawatta, General Officer Commanding (GOC) - 53 Division, Major General Kamal Gunaratne, GOC - 55 Division Brigadier Prasanna Silva - GOC 59 Division Brigadier Chagi Gallage and Commander Task Force-8 - Colonel G.V. Ravipriya were among those who attended the Mullaittivu ceremony.