“CFA was Pretext "- Army Chief

(October, 10, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) “Terrorists while engaging themselves in a fierce battle and a bout of violent activities for many years on the pretext of a ceasefire agreement almost for four years have unsuccessfully tried to win over us, said Chief of Army while attending the Army Day ceremony on today morning.

Sri Lanka Army , as the most leading defender of this island-nation is 58 years old today (October 10th 2007) and its birthday coincides with the annual Army Day, which is commemorated on a grand scale giving pride of place to religious observances and recognition of dedicated commitment of soldiers.

“All your efforts, meant to liberate people of all ethnicities affected by the barbaric cycle of terrorist attacks while providing those civilians with their humanitarian needs, have no doubt promoted the image and dignity of the Sri Lanka Army. All successes starting from Mavilaru up to the liberation of Silavathura remain concrete evidence in this connection. In the future too while the Army continues to march forward triumphantly, the Army will crush terrorism in order to convince them that their problems could not be solved through terrorist acts,” said Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka chief of army while addressing annual speech of the Army Day on today.

“Terrorists while engaging themselves in a fierce battle and a bout of violent activities for many years on the pretext of a ceasefire agreement almost for four years have unsuccessfully tried to win over us. Yet the Army realizing its role and responsibilities has acted with restraint mustering commendation from all quarters in the world. I feel happy about it,” Lt. General Sarath Fonseka said.

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. All sacrifices hitherto made by those soldiers including those who went missing in action and laid their lives for the defence of the motherland are remembered with gratitude. Their beloved parents, sons and daughters are also remembered and I wish to offer my gratitude to them, the Commander said.

The Sri Lanka Army as an organization has won praise and honour of all the people in the country. Those members need to be all the time well disciplined, courteous and people-friendly. In no manner any corruption or wastage should be tolerated. All of you should work to preserve the dignity of the whole organization, the Commander concluded.