Modern military, a knowledge-based force - Defence Secretary

by Dhaneshi YATAWARA

With the end of the war against terrorism, the responsibilities that will be vested with the Armed Services may go beyond the customary, said Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa, addressing a Sri Lanka Air Force passing out parade in Trincomalee yesterday.

The Defence Secretary said the challenge before the modern Armed Forces is to become more efficient and modern in their functioning. “A modern military is a knowledge-based force. The application of science, technology and information technology has become an integral part of defence preparedness and the conduct of warfare. This means that we need well-educated and well-trained servicemen,” Rajapaksa said.

Defence Secretary Rajapaksa was addressing the passing out of the Intake 53 of the Sri Lanka Air Force and Regular Airmen Recruit Course Intake 151 from the SLAF Academy in China Bay, Trincomalee. At the event, 83 Commissioned Officers and 386 Airmen passed out.

Rajapaksa said officers must be able to undertake different types of roles and responsibilities with the skills and knowledge imparted on them during training and the professionalism they gain during the service.

“Not long after the war, against terrorism the President appointed some of the flag rank officers who were at the front as ambassadors and deputy ambassadors in different countries. Many officers were also posted as defence attachés to important embassies. In these various capacities, they have all brought a great deal of credit to their Forces, and have done a great service to their country,” he said.

It also means that our officers have to be even better educated and better trained, said the Defence Secretary adding that high quality training, good quality equipment and the ability to strategise are essential to the success of our Armed Forces.

“The officers, in particular, must remember that the commands you issue to your subordinates will not only determine their tasks, but also impact their lives. You must therefore be very careful to give correct orders at all times,” Rajapaksa said.