“The prime responsibility of the Army is the national security and several attempts to destabilize the country had been successfully thwarted by the Army. Various international elements are still at this attempt but the initiatives of the President and the Secretary Defence have made them ineffective, inheriting a strong and stable country to all of us, compared to unstable security situations in the region elsewhere. ”
“As disciplined soldiers we all must show our conduct through word and action. In other words, your conduct is the mirror of your discipline,” the Commander said.
Referring to welfare projects, the Commander pointed out that housing, soldiers’ uniforms and other requirements have been given priority and thanks to the efforts of the Secretary Defence, many Security Force Headquarters as well as other formations were provided with pre-fabricated buildings in the recent past, as a solution to the shortage of spacious barracks.
Likewise, the Commander added that the Army Industry which is in the process of producing our metal and furniture requirements would fulfill the needs of our soldiers in barracks within a short period. Similarly, after making structural changes and other reforms in the organization, the Army is to be made completely environment friendly as we have seen in the Vauniya Manik Farm after conversion, the Commander added.
“Large allocations have been earmarked to give the best training opportunities to the troops both here and abroad. You should take interest in this and make use of these openings for training. Another area of importance is the steps that were taken to improve athletics and sports. To produce sportsmen and women of national and international standards as in the past, the Army has prioritized the promotion of sports and athletics as an essential component,” Lieutenant General Ratnayake pointed out.
With the blessings of the President and the Secretary Defence, the Army successfully implemented the ‘Suwasahana’ loan scheme, for example. It has already given out Rs 11.2 billion worth loans by now. Similarly, a new an effective insurance scheme is in place and all measures have been implemented to promote the welfare of those retiring from the Army by establishing a ‘Job bank’ for the retirees.
He also added that the Army’s invaluable commitment and dedication has resulted in the construction of more than 14,000 houses for the civilians living in the north of the country. This was in addition to the erection or renovation of a large number of schools, Kovils, Buddhist Temples, Pre Schools, Community Halls, Play Grounds, etc. All these were made possible because of your untiring work and dedication, the Commander told the gathering. (SL Army)
