President tells KDA convocation:

No time to relax, work hard

Rafik JALALDEEN

President Mahinda Rajapaksa said yesterday one cannot afford to relax just because terrorism was defeated but should work hard for the development of the country and national security. He said it was the duty of all to work towards taking the country to a top position in the world.

The Security Forces have shown their discipline and exemplary moral conduct in the battlefield during the world’s biggest humanitarian operation by any country and this cannot be denied by anyone.

Addressing the General Convocation 2009 of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence Academy at the BMICH yesterday, President Rajapaksa said that he had been to the same ceremony for the last three years but this time he was addressing them in a new country which has just been liberated from terrorism. “After the liberation of the country we did not forget our war heroes. We love them, respect them and trust them forever,” he added.

Some were querying about discipline of the Security Forces. The KDA is not only teaching subjects and providing training.

In fact, in warfare its prime duty is inculcating discipline in its charges. The moral conduct and discipline of the Security Forces were shown in the battlefield. When they launched the humanitarian operation to rescue the trapped civilians, they were holding a gun in one hand and human rights on the other, he said.

President Rajapaksa asserted that the Security Forces fought against the most ruthless terrorist organization in the world with less casualties. “In this test our forces scored highest marks in rescuing civilians by avoiding casualties. They did not fight with hatred. This came from their battlefield training.

Our soldiers distinguished themselves among the fighting soldiers in the world. Therefore, you must learn and adopt from their experience,” he added. Fighting with less casualties shows their responsibility and skill.

The Security Forces developed a new strategy to fight in the battle field.

The Navy using their new tactics by deploying Small Boat Squadron (SBS) and the Air Force using their high technology had made maximum contribution to defeat terrorism.

Most members of the Security Forces came from the villages without any combat knowledge. They had been sent to the battlefield after training.

They became the best soldiers after receiving battle-field training from their field commanders.

He said it is important to look into their welfare. “As the Commander-in-Chief I have more concern for their welfare.

The Defence Secretary had travelled to every district in the country and had met with families of the soldiers and discussed their grievances,” he added.

President Rajapaksa noted that each member of the Security Forces holding a gun has more responsibility than anyone else. They should protect every citizen and carry out their duty towards national security.

When we are united and confident of developing the country, no foreign power can stand against us.

“We have no time to relax. We can relax only when we develop the country and improve the national security. You all have a duty to place the country prominently on the world map, the President said.

He told the graduating officers, “you’re graduating after terrorism was defeated but your responsibility is far more greater now. You should work hard for national security and the development of the country. It is important to use the knowledge, skills and training you have received at the KDA,” he added.

Around 152 Officers have graduated under BSc and MSc Defence studies from the KDA. Major T.C. Kathiarachchi passed with a Merit in the MSC Defence Studies.

Trophy for the best student officer from the Army was presented to Second Lt. W.A.N.U Wijesinghe, Trophy for the best student officer from the Navy was awarded to Acting SLT. W.A.M.I. Fernando and the Trophy for the best student officer from the Air Force was awarded to Plt Officer K.M.S. Bandara.