Govt would do everything for welfare of soldiers
Defence Secretary pays tribute to Gajaba soldiers :
The Government and Defence Ministry will do everything possible to
promote the welfare of the soldiers who selflessly fought on behalf of
the country and also for the families of fallen War Heroes, said Defence
Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.
Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa at Gajaba Regiment
Headquarters in Saliyapura, Anuradhapura. |
The Defence Secretary was speaking to soldiers of the Gajaba Regiment
at its Headquarters in Saliyapura, Anuradhapura last Friday.
The Defence Secretary who was formally an infantryman in his mother
unit, the prestigious Gajaba Regiment (GR) recalled his cherished
yesteryear memories.
The principal objective behind the trip was two-fold; to pay his
tribute to all GR soldiers for their commitment and dedication, and also
to meet them personally and appreciate their contribution, as the
initial phase of a long-term country-wide program to separately meet all
heroic soldiers who took part in the recent Vanni battles.
On his arrival a Guard Turn-out plus a special Guard of Honour
saluted the visiting former soldier turned Defence Secretary who stood
firm in the country’s quest for durable peace, free from terrorist
violence.
A solemn moment, dignified with sentiments of valour and gratitude
was next on his agenda. Rajapaksa placed floral bouquets at the foot of
the marble War Heroes monument at the entrance to the GR Headquarters
and saluted to their memory.
The next stop added further significance as he made a bee-line to
offer his moving respect to the fallen military stalwart, Major General
Wijaya Wimalarathne who was GR’s architect and served it as its first
Commanding Officer. Rajapaksa, impressed with new additions and
improvement in the GR Headquarters premises moved about freely in the
company of senior GR officers, including Vanni War Heroes, Major General
Jagath Dias, General Officer Commanding in 57 Division, Major General
Kamal Gunarathna General Officer Commanding in 53 Division, Brigadier C.
Gallage General Officer Commanding in 55 Division, Brigadier Shavendra
Silva, General Officer Commanding in 58 Division, GR Commandant and a
few senior and junior officers.
He also interacted with soldiers who had particularly come to listen
to him away from their duty points in newly liberated Vanni areas.
The Secretary Defence sat for lunch with hundreds of GR troopers
before he left the premises.
Major General Jagath Dias representing all Keterians, as they are
called, gifted a special memento to the visiting Defence Secretary as a
token of memory after the Defence Secretary left his signature on the
VIP book at GR Headquarters. Ioma Rajapaksa was also present. |