No external interference or restrictions should be tolerated: President tells army

16 December 2023 04:10 pm - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Diyathalawa, Dec. 16 (Daily Mirror)- Emphasizing the monumental responsibility borne by the security forces in protecting the sovereignty of the country, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that no external interference or restrictions should be tolerated.

President Wickremesinghe, serving as the Chief Guest at the Parade of Cadet Officers during the ceremony of Colours Re-Awarding and Commissioning Parade of the Sri Lanka Military Academy, Diyatalawa this morning (16), highlighted the security forces' role in safeguarding both the people's sovereignty and the distinctive identity of Sri Lanka.

He emphasized that any attempt to act independently based on racism or religion would pose a threat to the Sri Lankan identity, the President's Media Division (PMD) said.

In his address, President Wickremesinghe expressed his admiration for the Sri Lankan Army, acknowledging its talent and proud history. He underscored the collective responsibility of all individuals joining the army to uphold its esteemed legacy.

Addressing the officers and women present, the President urged them to provide fearless leadership to those under their command. Emphasizing that true leadership emerges during challenging times, he encouraged everyone to dedicate themselves to fulfilling their responsibilities for the betterment of the country.

The President reaffirmed Sri Lanka's status as a sovereign state, emphasizing the nation's history of independence since 1948. He underscored that the sovereignty of the country belongs to its people, with governments elected through popular vote. The President emphasized the foundational importance of the Sri Lankan identity, urging all citizens, irrespective of ethnicity Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim, to work collectively to safeguard and preserve the national identity.

Referring to economic matters, President Wickremesinghe stressed the need for increased economic growth in the country. He drew attention to the consequences of a collapsing economy, noting its impact on the overall vitality of the nation. The President emphasized the importance of social progress alongside economic advancement, highlighting the need for equal treatment of all citizens. He called upon each group within society to play a role in protecting this framework, extending the responsibility from the President downwards.

The President emphasized the profound responsibility of the army in safeguarding the sovereignty of the country. He asserted that this duty should remain unquestionable and impervious to any attempts to restrict or compromise it. Simultaneously, the President underscored the importance of protecting the people's sovereignty and preserving the unique identity of Sri Lanka. He warned against any actions or attempts to fracture the national identity based on racism or religion, emphasizing the potential harm such endeavours could inflict on the essence of Sri Lanka.

Comments - 18

Gemunu Saturday, 16 December 2023 04:43 PM

Unspoken threat for us comes from India, it’s Army showed what it could do to the Tamils in the North, so we should be aware that it could do to the same for the Sinhalese in the South. The good news is both America and Canada have at last found out the “ real mind” of the Indians. And this North American realisation is a big protection for us.

Ram Saturday, 16 December 2023 05:00 PM

President is correct in saying, "No external interference or restrictions should be tolerated" At the same time he must respect the Highest Court/SC decisions. Two recent decisions one naming the politicians who bankrupted the country and the other the Cops who violated the FR of a citizen must receive follow-up action

Ranjit Saturday, 16 December 2023 05:04 PM

They are not protecting the country but protecting you, rajapahshas and the ir goons. People will throw you all off at the next election if you hold one

Empty meaningless words Saturday, 16 December 2023 05:07 PM

Protecting the sovereignty of the country? The president will sell half the country to the highest bidder even if it was our worst enemy.

Nincompoop president Saturday, 16 December 2023 05:10 PM

But the president is happy to sell off most assets to foreign countries. Doesn't make any sense. The president is schizophrenic.

Sleazy president Saturday, 16 December 2023 05:21 PM

As usual meaningless empty words by the back door president. This man only cares about himself and nobody else. If he is threatened, he will sell the country off to the enemy to protects himself.

Sokrates Saturday, 16 December 2023 05:26 PM

blah, blah, blah

ROSH Saturday, 16 December 2023 06:42 PM

Well we need to be careful unelected master debating president. He is taking the power to his own hand instead of giving it to someone else to master debate him on his double bed. Of course he loves having it internal instead of external.

ROSH Saturday, 16 December 2023 06:46 PM

We must build his statue to see how much work is done internally without his trousers. One and only unelected master debating president the world ever had

Mohamed Burhan Saturday, 16 December 2023 07:02 PM

We all from all communities and races love our 3 forces yesterday today and tomorrow for the great sacrifice they gave us for the better today we are living.

Fred Sunday, 17 December 2023 01:45 AM

Mr President we have lost our sovereignty already forced to sell our assets to survive not sufficient even in egg production forced to import from India the most populated country on the planet everything is being dictated to from outside please do something tangible soon to develop the country, which must involve the youth, it must involve educated people, it must involve production from within to bring in the REVENUE to pay our bills, otherwise there will be nothing to protect

Punchi Sunday, 17 December 2023 04:44 AM

Progressively we will become so impoverished and emasculated that one day we will be begging our neighbor to incorporate us in their federation and feed us.

Waco Sunday, 17 December 2023 09:42 AM

Army, Airforce and Navy, all try Forces must be loyal to the Democratically Elected President.

Citizens Sunday, 17 December 2023 11:38 AM

Forces in other countries protect their country and the people but this is not happening in Srilanka so what's the use in keeping.........

Foot note Sunday, 17 December 2023 03:23 PM

This sermon should be for himself that seems to have no answer to stop trade hunters and seaway intruders. What is grown in North is sufficent so no imports allowed spending $, interfere local market. The policy is to secure the terms having no empowering supremacy required for sovereignty.

Ganja Diana Singam Sunday, 17 December 2023 05:00 PM

Asaw - asaw - Most honest man in this island is talking now!

Yogi Sunday, 17 December 2023 08:22 PM

Mr Gemunu, no other country has helped Sri Lanka as much as India has, especially when the people of Sri Lanka needed it the most. Don't be so ungrateful and suspicious. The Sinhalese and Tamils, unable to reconcile with each other, had almost divided your country in two different parts in the 1980s. It was because of the IPKF's efforts that your country remained as a single political entity. Great sacrifices were made by Indian soldiers in fighting the terrorist organisation LTTE, which was ironically being secretly supported by Premadasa then. Even today, India is supporting Sri Lanka in many fields. India provides free training courses for hundreds of Sri Lankan defence personnel. India has undertaken many developmental projects in Sri Lanka for the common people. India has stood behind Sri Lanka in helping it through the economic crisis. India is not a rich country but is trying to help as much as it can.

Nagan Balusingam Monday, 18 December 2023 04:42 PM

This man lost his both back and the front! Now borrow from Myna his Ganja back!

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No external interference or restrictions should be tolerated: President tells army

Comments - 18

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