Beware of invisible forces - President at Army Passing out Parade

(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.