Making a brief speech, Secretary Waidyaratne said that the security forces have served the motherland extremely well and that Sri Lankans are proud of them. He also said that they would be good peacekeepers as well. He also mentioned of the efforts made to improve their knowledge, particularly their language skills. Brushing aside certain accusations, he said that it's only a myth and that he is certain that the UN and the others will refute it. The Sri Lanka Army is experienced, honourable and credible, he said.

He mentioned of a pledge made at the senior ministerial conference in Vancouver to have a different approach and even the procurement will be carried out quickly, swiftly and transparently and will be able to achieve set targets.

He reiterated that legal and proper action will be taken against individuals for their misconducts and it has been so in the past as well, and that the UN is also satisfied with the course of action in this regard. He emphasized the importance of upholding discipline and also maintained that as humans if one or two individuals have committed any offences the Army as a whole should not be held responsible, that is the rule of law.

He also said that they would work closely with the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission in sending personnel on peace keeping missions.

Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, Head of the International Committee of Red Cross (ICRC), Ms Claire Meytraud, US Embassy diplomat and senior Army officers were present at the occasion.