“Let peace prevail in the Motherland!”

‘Security of a country means security for its people. In order to provide protection to a Nation, one has to safeguard cultural and social values, closely interconnected with the Nation’s very existence down the ages. The Nation on the other hand inherits all those values from respective religions. This is common to Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and all other religions. It is therefore our duty to protect and foster all religions by creating conducive environment for them to thrive.’

by Lt. Gen. Sarath Fonseka

(October 10, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka in his message on Army Day (October 10) and its 59th Anniversary paid a glittering tribute to all heroic soldiers who defend their beloved Motherland at the expense of their own lives.

Here is the full text of his message;

“I am delighted to issue this message as Commander of the Army on Army’s 59th Anniversary and the Army Day.

You, as members of the Sri Lanka Army and as brave and patriotic sons and daughters of Mother Lanka, have now entered an era where responsibilities and tasks, enshrined in our Constitution are put into proper action.

When the Army’s proud history and progress is viewed in retrospect as I emphasized earlier too, the services rendered by you, as a law-abiding professional organ, free from corruption, fraud and indiscipline, have made satisfactory progress in all fronts.

Well perceived of the Army’s role and tasks, you are dedicated to protect and foster human rights and freedom of your countrymen while ensuring the creation of a peaceful land for all our people of different ethnicities resident in all corners of the island. This commendable achievement has come in for praise of all the Sri Lankans and people overseas.

Security of a country means security for its people. In order to provide protection to a Nation, one has to safeguard cultural and social values, closely interconnected with the Nation’s very existence down the ages. The Nation on the other hand inherits all those values from respective religions. This is common to Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, Islam, and all other religions. It is therefore our duty to protect and foster all religions by creating conducive environment for them to thrive.

Sri Lanka Army, geared to protect the territorial integrity of the motherland is well aware of the importance of those treasured religious values and has taken steps to improve and renovate places of religious significance after giving the highest consideration. Renovation of the holy Madhu Shrine, offer of a gold-plated fence around the Kelaniya Bodhi and such assistance given to other faiths, etc are among a few projects, hitherto carried out by the Army in the most recent past and contributed to by all of you. Your cooperation given in this regard has received commendation.

All your efforts, as members of a diligent and valiant Army, meant to liberate people of all ethnicities of different religions, affected by the barbaric cycle of terrorism, have received blessings of all the religions and the masses alike. The Army’s glory has now reached the apex of victory after capture of Mavilaru sluice gates, Liberation of the east, Mannar District, 14 Base in Mullaittivu and with the spread of its dominance up to Nayaru lagoon and Murukkandi Kovil in Kilinochchi District. These gains testify to the courage of our valiant soldiers.

I am also encouraged and delighted to mention how you all while fighting the enemy for near three decades contributed to fulfillment of humanitarian needs, despite constraints, suffered as a result of ceasefire agreements or cessation of hostilities, etc.

Yet the Army realizing its role and responsibilities has acted with restraint mustering commendation from all quarters of the world. I feel happy about it.

The Army troops now serving UN peace keeping operations were in for praise of the foreign nations and I would like to recall their dedication with pride and dignity. In the same way, the Army has produced excellent sports men and women of international standards, able to represent the Olympics as well. This is another achievement.

On this important day of our 59th Army Anniversary all sacrifices hitherto made by those valiant soldiers including those who went missing in action and laid their lives for the defence of the motherland, are remembered with appreciation and gratitude. Their beloved parents, sons and daughters are also warmly remembered and let me convey my best wishes to all of them.

Let me also pay my tribute to the welfare role, played by the Seva Vanitha Army Branch President and her organization for the benefit of soldiers injured, members of their families, members of families affected by loss of their beloved ones, and all other War Heroes. The Army is an organization which receives respect and commendation of the public. You are all part of that disciplined organization. Achievements we have so far obtained should therefore be further defended at the risk of our lives in the future, too.

May you have all strength with the blessings of Triple Gem, Sri Dalada Himi, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi and all Deities to preserve territorial integrity and sovereignty of the country. Let peace prevail in the Motherland !”- Sri Lanka Guardian