"Everyone in the Army should remember that our prime responsibility is to safeguard the territorial integrity and the unitary status of the country while extending our best cooperation towards the nation-building, spearheaded by the President as our Commander-in-Chief," the Army Commander said.

He told the troops that the Army should always be prepared to face any challenge when it matters to the defense of the country.

Lieutenant General De Silva told the troops to bear in mind that discipline as the most vital and central component in the Army and it should always be given the first priority since it is "what the Army is all about and meant for."

"I expect everyone to work towards minimizing the number of lapses on the part of our discipline in the New Year. Ours is an organization based on discipline, nothing but the discipline," he noted.

Paying a tribute to all those working in the Army, the Commander reminded them of the importance of fulfilling their duties to the best of their capabilities for the best interest of the public and the country at large, who are "footing the cost of our salaries."