Army Greets First Working Day with State Allegiance Oath

“Let me wish all the Officers, Other Ranks and the civil staffers of the Sri Lanka Army HQ who perform a pioneering role in defence of the motherland’s sovereignty and territorial integrity a very happy New Year 2022.

Also, I wish all the War Heroes in the Army who made the supreme sacrifice for restoration of peace and reconciliation in the country attain supreme bliss of Nibbana. Likewise, I wish all War Heroes who sustained injuries during operations, still under recuperation and rehabilitation gain speedy recovery and take this opportunity to wish them peace and prosperity.

Further, I take this opportunity to recall invaluable services of all the past Commanders and retired Army Officers and Other Ranks and wish them a very happy New Year.

Since its inception, the Army has been the frontier force in safeguarding the national security of the country from multifaceted threats. While performing those duties, the Sri Lanka Army’s exceptional forms of operational commitment towards Sri Lanka’s preventive roles, inclusive of the control of COVID-19 and the ongoing vaccination drive against the spread of COVID-19 which has at present turned out to be a national service, second to none undertaken by the Army. The Army’s role towards that dedicated task must be appreciated.

According to the Army’s visionary concept, the ‘Way Forward Strategy 2020-2025’ has made great strides during the past year. Similarly, the establishment of the Green Agriculture Operation Centre which was founded on the directions of HE the President is now operational and we can be proud of being contributors to this national effort.

As stated in the President’s policy framework, ‘Saubhagye Dekma’ (Vistas of Prosperity and Splendor), the Army has undertaken several green projects and some of them have already proved successful and handed over to the public. Moreover, the Army was able to contribute to many development projects, agriculture projects, health services, infrastructure development, etc.

The Sri Lanka Army as the fearless saviour of the nation having liberated the country from brutal terrorism and defended the motherland over a span of 72 years has faced diverse challenges such as disaster calamities, pandemic of COVID-19, nation-building tasks and development projects, for which we can be proud.

President Gotabaya Rajapaksa who provides a visionary guide and leadership for the professional advancement of the Sri Lanka Army as well as Honourable Premier Mahinda Rajapaksa and the Secretary Defence, General Kamal Gunaratne (Rtd), should also be respectfully recalled to memory at this moment on the first working day.

Further, the establishment of the 1 Corps, the Army War College at Buttala, for example, are a few such upgraded projects to match with the Army’s ‘Way Forward Strategy 2020-2025’. Further, development of the infrastructure facilities of the Regimental Centres, Training Schools, camps, construction of houses for own troops and civilians, etc has already been in motion and I expect all ranks’ support in this regard to promote living standards of our Army personnel.

We were able to fulfill the welfare needs of the Army personnel during the past year while performing the duties in the mid of COVID-19. I expect to receive more and more local and foreign courses on behalf of Army personnel during the coming year which would in turn enhance skills and professional standards. Also, it is worthwhile to mention here the recent redesigning of the Officer Career Development Centre as the Army War College - Buttala to match with the Army’s ‘Way Forward Strategy 2020-2025.’ In the sphere of sports too, the Army’s two differently able War Heroes won Gold and Bronze medals during the Paralympics Games - 2021 by bringing much admiration and dignity to the motherland.

Moreover, the establishment of the Green Agriculture Operation Centre, conceptualized by the President on 02 December is another trust, entrusted to us after our effective operations against COVID-19 spread. As the Head of the Green Agriculture Operation Centre, the Army has already undertaken several green projects and it asserts that the Army is capable and all time prepared to perform on the theme, “Nothing is Impossible”. I also want to request you to support all our endeavours in our future efforts to produce organic fertilizer considering it as a national challenge.

I wish all Army personnel, civil employees and family members be blessed with courage, strength and fortune in the coming year 2022 to accomplish their expectations overcoming numerous challenges at professional and personal levels. May peace, happiness, good health and prosperity be with you and your families throughout the year 2022 !” he concluded.