President warns:
Beware of invisible forces
by Rohan MATHES
President Rajapaksa made this plea as the President of the Democratic
Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces
and Defence Minister addressed a colourful commissioning parade, at the
Sri Lanka Military Academy in Diyatalawa yesterday.
The President pointed out that albeit the armed enemies have been
well identified as lethal and should be wiped out by our gallant armed
forces. But some unscrupulous elements may act in diverse and subtle
ways. They could be even disguised in the garb of human rights
activists.
These parties too, should be recognised and dealth with accordingly.
As otherwise, he said, these enemies may ultimately have a greater
impact and cause more harm and destruction to our motherland.
The President paid his highest tributes to the war heroes who have
grown from strength to strength, and achieved a series of victories in
Pooneryn, Kilinochchi and elsewhere.
He was of the view that our forces had confronted the most ruthless
terrorist out fit in the world and defeat them, slowly but steadily, by
re-capturing every inch of land from them.
They had overcome many arduous tasks and all daunting challenges
before them, from suicide bombers to chemical weapons and inclement
weather conditions. They emerged victorious and have undoubtedly become
a shining example of sheer grit, courage,integrity and discipline, and a
guiding star to the entire world.
“Their glorious achievements have now surpassed the doom of ‘Gunfire’
and given rise to an aura of joyful celebrations in the south.
They have fought for the benefit and the well-being of the entire
nation, irrespective of race, cast, creed or party”, President Rajapaksa
noted.
He also lauded the parents and the loved ones of the commissioned
cadet officers, stating that by offering their offsprings to the
military, they had done a great and meritorious service to the nation,
at a most critical time, when terrorism was gathering momentum, and had
to be eradicated.
The Commander-in-Chief opined that before the Government resumed the
war, they themselves set an example by offering their own children, sans
requesting only the ordinary people to do so.
At the colourful parade, 151 officer cadets, inclusive of 25 females
were commissioned by the President. Regular Officer Cadet intakes 64,
64B 65 and Volunteer Officer Cadet Intakes 45 and Lady Intake 7 were
commissioned. |