Army chief visits Kilinochchi, pays tribute to war heroes

Army Commander General Sarath Fonseka yesterday paid tribute to the war heroes who made Sri Lanka's dream of liberating the country from the clutches of terrorism a reality after eliminating LTTE terrorism fully from the Sri Lankan soil, during a visit to Kilinochchi yesterday morning.

This was his first field visit after becoming the first ever serving General of the Sri Lanka Army.

The Army Commander during his visit paid tribute to the troops who displayed unprecedented bravery during their effort to eliminate LTTE terrorism fully from the country.

On his arrival at the Vanni Security Forces Headquarters, he was warmly received by Army Chief of Staff Major General G.A. Chandrasiri and Major General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander Security Forces, Vanni.

From the Vanni Security Forces headquarters, he flew to the 571 Brigade headquarters in Kilinochchi where the Army Commander was accorded a warm welcome by Major General Jagath Dias, the senior most GOC in the Vanni liberation operation.

Troops of the 7 Sri Lanka Sinha Regiment commanded by Lt. Colonel Kithsiri Liyanage accorded a Guard of Honour to the visiting Army Chief.

General Fonseka who addressed the Vanni-based all ranks, extended his best wishes and warm greetings to each and every soldier.

During his speech, General Fonseka said that had it not been their sacrifices, similar to the heroic deeds of the King Dutugemunu, elimination of terrorism from this soil would not have been possible. He also paid a glittering tribute to all soldiers and reminisced sacrifices made by the soldiers whose names will be written in gold in the future.

General Sarath Fonseka also paid gratitude and praise to President Mahinda Rajapaksa, Secretary Defence Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and all who supported the Armed Forces. General Fonseka also did not fail to recall the dedication of the departed soldiers and others who became disabled.