Army committed to 'Wonder of Asia'

Sandasen MARASINGHE

Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya stated that the Sri Lanka Army is ready to accept any challenge that is entrusted to them in the journey of making Sri Lanka the Wonder of Asia.

He made this observation at the diploma-awarding ceremony to newly commissioned 57 officers, who followed the cadet officer course No. 55, 59, 60, 64 and 66 at the Diyatalawa Sri Lanka Military Academy on Saturday, participating as the Chief Guest.

He also said that the challenges are enormous in the attempt to make Sri Lanka the Wonder of Asia but the Army is ready to accept any challenge. He added that the contribution made by the Army to many development projects in the country is a fact which proved that the Army is shouldering the burden of making the country the "Wonder of Asia".

The Army Commander stated that the members of the Army as service personnel should bear greater responsibility in this gigantic task. He also added that all should feel the pulse of the nation, the true needs of the country and responsibility. They should know their prime duties as officers of the Sri Lanka Army and the training given in the academy will equip the officers for this task.

He also said that the courses designed by the Academy stimulates the development of alternative approaches to dealing with problems and issues in turn elevating the standard of the Sri Lanka Army.

"We have to comprehend the value of being knowledgeable in the 21st century and the value of being a professional body to take our place with the technologically advancing armies all around the world." Commander Jayasuriya said "It is nothing but military professionalism that has made Sri Lanka Army one of the great Armies in the world".

He also suggested that army personnel should strive hard to move further in their academic accomplishments so that they become military officers of the Sri Lanka Army who are complete, both professionally and academically.