Presidential call to honour valiant Armed Forces

Rasika Somarathna

COLOMBO: President Mahinda Rajapaksa yesterday called on all to appreciate the contribution of the Armed Forces which have valiantly defended the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Launching the Manel Mal Movement's Manel Mal Sathiya, which has the twin objectives of addressing the grievances of the Armed Forces, their families and villagers affected by the present conflict, President Rajapaksa said "all should realise that others can live safely in other areas because of the sacrifice made by these noble men and women".

Officials of the National Patriotic Movement (NPM) and the Manel Mal Movement ceremonially presented of the first commemorative token to President Rajapaksa at Temple Trees.

The Manel Mal Movement affiliated to the NPM has organised this islandwide campaign as a fund raising project for the "Manel Mal Trust" which in turn would use the funds to initiate welfare activities targeting the Armed Forces, their families and affected villagers.

"All communities should stand up as one to appreciate the contribution of our Armed Forces," President Rajapaksa told the gathering.

The President who described this worthy deed as an urgent need of the hour, said: "I have first hand experience about the agony that the family members have to undergo when their loved ones are in the battlefield.

Our family too went through the same ordeal when my brother was serving in the Armed Forces. So we all should come together and instill the feeling in them that they are not alone, not abandoned."

The President elaborating on the subject said: "Today the Armed Forces are fighting to safeguard the democratic rights of all nationalities. We as a Nation tends to forget good deeds in a hurry.

It is the responsibility of the civil society to remind the sacrifice of these noble soldiers time and again. As such it is the duty of all responsible citizens in this country to support this worthy cause irrespective of differences." Officials of the National Patriotic Movement, Maha Sangha, politicians, artistes, scholars and well wishers participated.

The maiden "Manel Mal week" would be held until July 21. Commemorative tokens were presented to the Chief Prelates in Kandy yesterday.

The presentation of tokens to the Commanders of the Armed Forces would follow in Colombo today.

On the same day mementos would be presented to leading Catholic priests. A public awareness campaign seeking public help will be launched at the Colombo Fort Bodhiya with the participation of scholars, politicians and artists. Mementos will be presented to security personnel in Jaffna and the concluding ceremony will be held on July 21 at Mahaweli Centre.

The programme will be launched throughout the country with the help of a number of organisations. The "Manel Mal Movement" appeals to all Sri Lankans to come forward to make this worthy cause a success.