Forces to play key role in development drive

Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayaka on Saturday asserted that Sri Lanka’s Security Forces in the future would play a key role in the country’s development drive following their success in defeating terrorism.

He noted that the Forces would play a pivotal role in the future rebuilding efforts of the conflict ravaged North and East.

Describing the Sri Lankan Security Forces as the best in the world, Prime Minister Wickramanayaka suggested that by defeating the world’s foremost terrorist outfit and its leader, they had proven the fact beyond doubt.

However, the victory against LTTE terrorists was not a ‘walk in the park’ but was archived at the cost of a “lot of sacrifices” by the Security Forces, he added.

He made these observations participating at the biggest ever commissioning parade in the history of the Diyatalawa Military Academy where 281 Officer Cadets passed out on Saturday.

The Premier also noted that patriots over the years had always come forward to protect the country when there was a threat to its sovereignty and territorial integrity. “On this occasion, our brave Security Forces came to the country’s defence when faced with the threat of terrorism.

Thus you are joining a Force which has such a proud heritage, and should be committed to defend its honour at all times,” he said urging the new recruits. The Premier also noted that the Lankan Security Forces were a unit which possesses high moral values, discipline and commitment.

Such discipline should be inculcated in the youth of this country as a whole and this would pave way for a much disciplined society, he added. He also stressed that these core values had helped the Forces during their ‘humanitarian mission’ where the soldiers fought to liberate a section of Sri Lankan citizens held hostage by a terrorist organization.