(UTV|COLOMBO) – Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva pledged to uplift the welfare benefits of all disabled war heroes and family members of fallen soldiers while adding that retirees should be directed to lead a more productive life following retirement.
In his special message to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Army which falls today (Oct 10), the 23rd Army Chief vowed to re-organise welfare programmes, infrastructure facilities and introduce new projects in a more structured and qualitative manner, a statement from the Army said.
He pointed out that the Army is currently spearheading efforts towards development activities in the country, and said that such efforts should continue irrespective of any differences.
“The responsibility for the protection of future security and the country’s territorial integrity lies with Army personnel both today and tomorrow,” Lt. Gen. Silva emphasised.
Further the Army Chief observed that the Army was engaging more with members of civil society.
“Those relations between us and the civilians should sustain and foster further to achieve our goals with the civil community. This is important to us because the people have placed full confidence in us as the people’s saviour and the pioneering force.”
“Therefore, it is timely for the Army to carry forward this civil bond in order to further promote those relations and the confidence the civilians have placed in us,” he was quoted as saying
Lt. Gen. Silva, called on all Army personnel to work unitedly with a high degree of discipline, proficiency and exemplary conduct.
He stated that the objectives towards promoting professional standards and technological knowledge should be further strengthened to develop a full-fledged Army.
Sri Lanka Army was founded on October 10, 1949, with Brigadier Anton Muthukumaru serving as the first Army Commander.
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