Ex-military officers’ diplomatic service more immense than others: Gota

6 September 2018 11:21 pm - 13 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

The service rendered by retired military officers as Sri Lanka’s envoys abroad was more immense and better than that of the others, former defence secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa said today.

He expressed these views at the launch of the novel titled ‘Kadol Eththu’ authored by Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Kamal Gunaratne in Colombo.

Mr. Rajapaksa said “Some asked why retired military officers were appointed as diplomats. One reason was that these appointments recognized the service which they have done to the country. The other reason is that their service done as envoys to the country is more immense than the service done by the others,”

He said these officers possessed a great deal of experience about the country and the people by serving in the armed forces. He said a person who serves in the military, especially during a war, has an in-depth understanding about the humans and an instinct to care for them.

Meanwhile, he said Sri Lanka lacks war literature unlike those based on Vietnam and even Iraqi wars. “Once, an Indian General asked me why Sri Lanka doesn’t have war literature even after we successfully defeated a terrorist group. Therefore, I encourage the military leaders of the three armed forces to pen literature like Kamal Gunaratne,” he said.

The book ‘Kadol Eththu’ is the second book authored by Gunaratne following his first book ‘Road to Nandikkadal’ which became a hit.

Addressing the book launch, Maj. Gen. (Rtd.) Gunaratne said the novel was based on a disabled war hero’s life. “This is an attempt to make people aware about the disabled war heroes and to admire them but not to sympathize,” he said.

He said it was the soldiers who steered the war towards the victory. “If it was not for them, we, the officers couldn’t have won the war,” he said.

The book was presented to Maha Sangha, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the wives of Lt. Gen. Denzil Kobbekaduwa and Maj. Gen.Vijaya Wimalaratne.

Former commanders of the three armed forces, MPs including Chamal Rajapaksa, Professors G. L. Peiris, Hiran Amarasekara and a number of old Anandians were presented at this occasion. (By Lahiru Pothmulla)

Pix by Damith Wickramasinghe

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 13

RAJ Friday, 07 September 2018 09:28 AM

see how politics have been played into the armed forces during the last regime.

Sach Friday, 07 September 2018 05:42 PM

What does it mean?...he is RETIRED and he is free to invite a politician he admire

Lord Wolfstein Friday, 07 September 2018 10:06 AM

A retired military officer is not qualified as a diplomat and is not recognized by the worldwide diplomatic corps. He should go home and spend his retirement peacefully. Only qualified people from the foreign service should be sent abroad as diplomats.

UG Friday, 07 September 2018 04:05 PM

Totally Agree.

Rasheed Friday, 07 September 2018 10:41 AM

Trying to create a rift in the Armed forces.

Raj Friday, 07 September 2018 01:47 PM

Reminds me this “History is always written by the winners. When two cultures clash, the loser is obliterated, and the winner writes the history books-books which glorify their own cause and disparage the conquered foe. As Napoleon once said, 'What is history, but a fable agreed upon?”

Patriot Friday, 07 September 2018 01:49 PM

Kamal should next write a book titled 'Gota, the war criminal'!

nimalka Saturday, 08 September 2018 02:35 PM

well said and timely

Kumar Friday, 07 September 2018 02:44 PM

He divided the country on race

vithura Friday, 07 September 2018 03:31 PM

I do not see my comment sent to you on this article. DM should learn and practice journalistic neutrality than blocking comments they dislike, in particular those comments with no abusive nor vulgar language.

Pohottuwa Friday, 07 September 2018 05:59 PM

Can you believe that this is coming out of a suppose to be a future presidential candidate. Roles and tasks of a diplomat are completely different from that of a trained military officer.

Siraa Friday, 07 September 2018 07:22 PM

Abolish foreign service then. Appoint all retiring officers to the foreign service. May be these Professors would like one after their eetirement.

Nimal Tissa Wijetunga Friday, 07 September 2018 07:37 PM

Yes I fully agree with Vithura as almost all the comments by me on various articles written was either not published or blocked by Daily Mirror.Let me see that they are going to block this comment as same as others..

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Ex-military officers’ diplomatic service more immense than others: Gota

Comments - 13

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Western purple-faced langurs see blue!

Most Viewed in News

A US “Kaputa”, a Lankan “Nariya” and a Presidential “Feast”

New Visa procedure implemented

Belgian traveller scammed in Kalutara

Former MP Palitha Thewarapperuma dies from electrocution

Complaint lodged over Piumi Hansamali's possession of Gota’s Range Rover

Street food vendor arrested for verbally harassing foreigner

MIRROR CRICKET

TODAY'S HEADLINES