SL Army one of most efficient in the world - Commander

The Sri Lanka Army has been recognised as one of the most efficient armies in the world since it has been able to show its capabilities practically to the world, Army Commander Lt. Gen. Jagath Jayasuriya said.

Addressing the inaugural diploma awards ceremony at the Diyatalawa Military Academy the Army Commander stated that his main intention was to develop further and transform the Army into an academically qualified professional unit.

He said: “I wish to begin my address by congratulating the Diploma recipients. I also take this opportunity to remember the officers who made the supreme sacrifice and to honour the parents of those officers who are present.

The future course of the Army will be different to what it had been during the past. In future, military aid to civil authorities will take precedence over other routine matters. Winning the hearts and minds of the population in the North and East and preventing the rise of terrorism in any form will be major responsibilities of the Army.

He said the Sri Lanka Army has now come of age. The war was difficult but as we all know the transition to peace, the last phase, is the most difficult and we are faced with the challenges of it today.

In this context, the role of institutions such as the Sri Lanka Military Academy and the Sabaragamuwa University will be very important. I consider, moulding young men and women to shoulder these tasks with maturity will be your prime responsibility. I am happy to say you have done your part well.”

In retrospect of the inception and the evolution of the Sri Lanka Military Academy. I am sure the founders will be proud to see that this institution has reached such great heights passing many worthy milestones in its journey.

This occasion marks another such milestone in the history of the Sri Lanka Military Academy and the Sri Lanka Army. I am personally happy and proud to be part of this event as the first convocation of the Sri Lanka Military Academy was conducted during my tenure as the Commandant of the Academy.

I would be failing in my duty if I do not recognise the contributions made by the Sabaragamuwa University. I proudly state that without their cooperation this would not have been possible. I know the staff of the University had to undergo hardships at the beginning until the program of studies was streamlined to suit the military. I am thankful to the Vice Chancellor and the staff of the Sabaragamuwa University for their untiring efforts taken to confer a recognised academic qualification on officers of the Sri Lanka Army.

The diploma and the academic foundation you receive at the SLMA will open doors to many avenues in the future.”