Take a cue from Security Forces

Defence Secretary tells public:

Chaminda PERERA

Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa yesterday said the people can take a cue from the Security Forces’ victory and render their optimum service to the country’s development.

The Defence Secretary was speaking at a ceremony to felicitate Security Forces who defeated LTTE terrorists, at a ceremony at the Defence Ministry yesterday.

“The Security Forces have proved themselves that nothing is impossible if we have perseverance and dedication. Their sacrifice for the past 30 years for a peaceful country has borne fruit,” he said.

He stressed that public should carry out what the country expects from them without hesitation.

A concerted effort by the three Armed Forces, the Police and Civil Defence Force have raised the eyebrows of foreign countries which were convinced that the LTTE was invincible. The Defence Secretary said the Security Forces who weeded out terrorism from Sri Lanka deserve praise from the people world over.

Defence Secretary Rajapaksa said the Defence Ministry is duty bound to ensure the welfare of Security Forces’ personnel who were in the forefront to liberate the country from terrorism. He stressed that the Ranaviru Seva Authority under the Defence Ministry will take every possible measure to upgrade the families of fallen heroes.

He added that the Defence Ministry staff should focus attention on the welfare of the Security Forces and the families of those who were killed in the mission against the terrorists for over 30 years. Defence Ministry Additional Secretary R.M.S. Ratnayake presented a special memento to Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa in recognition of his service to uphold country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Chairperson of the Defence Ministry Seva Vanitha Unit Ayoma Rajapaksa, Former Military Spokesman Brigadier Prasad Samarasinghe, Media Centre of National Security Director General Lakshman Hulugalle and senior military officials were present.