In more signs of Sri Lanka’s intention to ignore recommendations made in the LLRC, the Army Commander has used his New Year’s message to the armed forces to call on the army to be the ‘guiding light’ for development, just as it has been for unification, in the country.
Extracts from Lt. Gen. Jagath Jayasuriya’s new year message:
"At a time the whole of Sri Lanka celebrates Sinhala and Hindu New Year, it is with great pleasure I extend my New Year greetings to all ranks in the Army and members of their families.
"Our next challenge in this peaceful and unitary country is development. You, as disciplined members in an exemplary Army, undertook the challenge of unifying the country, and you should be able to be the guiding light for that challenge of development too.
"This is a fitting tribute as well as a source of strength, reposed in us by HE, the President, the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and the Secretary Defence and Urban Development.
"Countless unsuccessful efforts at international level, adopted by different groups with vested interests to tarnish the image of the government as well as the armed forces, are heard since of recent times.
"We must face such challenges tirelessly and stand by the country’s sovereignty at all times. Since our Army is recognized world-wide as a fearless and a highly disciplined organization, you must take pride in it and work all the time to sustain that standard and the Army’s image."
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'Reconciliation is not happening in Sri Lanka, and the problem isn't a question of time' (13 Mar 2012)
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LLRC recommendations ignored already (23 Dec 2011)
