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Last Updated : 2024-05-12 22:13:00
18 April 2022 08:35 pm - 16 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}
Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander General Shavendra Silva said yesterday that the Sri Lanka Army does not mean harm to people whom they have committed to protect and neither does it hatch secret agendas as alleged.
He said the Army is always with the people and they do not want to take any ‘stand’ as some of those speculative stories claim. " We never ever mete out harm or harassment to anyone, neither do we want to inconvenience anyone in anyway. We are there to assist the Police only when our assistance is sought from us,” the commander told his staff on the first working day of the New Year at the Army Headquarters at Sri Jayawardenepura.
“Everyone should firmly remember that as members of a professional Army, we should not be swayed by various baseless and false rumours, allegations and concocted stories, many of which are largely on viral. Ours is a force, committed to protect the State and its people all the time as per provisions in the Constitution. You all, as gallant soldiers of this unmatched organization have made enormous sacrifices at the expense of your legs and limbs, spending endless days and sleepless nights in jungles for days, if not for weeks to bring about the spirits of peace and freedom which we all are enjoying today,”
“We are holding appointments, including myself, being the most Senior Officer still serving the organization in the country for the sake of the safety of the country. I, myself, having received injuries while fighting for democratic rights of our people always prioritized the interests of the State and its peace-loving citizens. We are always with the people and we do not want to take any ‘stand’ as some of those speculative stories claim and we never ever mete out harm or harassment to anyone, neither do we want to inconvenience anyone in anyway. We are there to assist the Police only when our assistance is sought from us,” the Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, General Shavendra Silva underlined.
“As you very well know, our troops valiantly move in anywhere where others are unable to do so while doing everything possible to keep the country and its people safe. We do not have any hidden agendas as propagated by some ill-informed reports or hold any secret agendas as claimed by some elements with vested interests as you have seen in the past few days. The Army is not there to hatch hidden plans or mean harm to the very people whom they have committed to protect, and those speculative and fabricated rumours reflect the mindset of those elements who are hell bent on creating further unrest among peaceful protesters,” he asserted.
“Even when I was engaged in the fight against LTTE’s attempts of dividing the country, certain sections, inclusive of my own close associates were doubtful whether we could win this war against terrorism at all. Of course, in the context of a civilian, I was compelled to listen to their voices and concerns, but as a uniformed military professional, dedicated to serve the country, I am obliged to perform my duties day and night as necessitated by the State and the Constitution at the risk of my life. This is what we are meant for contrary to what some of those interested parties allege without any basis,” he said.
“I am pretty sure the right-minded segment of our civilians do not understand the modus operandi and the chain of command, effective in the organization, and that discipline has always been well-maintained despite many provocative acts as you have already witnessed.”
“Think of the heaps of praise that poured in when the Army and all services were managing the vaccination, quarantining and other preventive measures against the most recent COVID-19 epidemic even when sons and daughters were reluctant and scared to attend to their own parents visiting lest their children or family members would be infected with the deadly virus. It was the Army, which saw no bounds and went its way out to contain the fast spreading epidemic, for which I, too as the Head of the then COVID Centre, had to travel everywhere in the best interests of our country,” he recalled.
joshua Monday, 18 April 2022 08:53 PM
Nobody said that you did not do anything good. We shower praises for the vaccination drive and for the victory against LTTE etc. But remember you cannot do anything against the peaceful protests after eating Gota gully
Roisin Monday, 18 April 2022 09:34 PM
Harming peaceful citizens!
N SENA Monday, 18 April 2022 09:42 PM
WE PRAISE AND APPRECIATE YOUR EFFORTS DURING THE WAR. DO NOT EVER THINK OF DOING ANY HARM TO A PEACEFUL PROTEST. THIS IS THE VOICE OF THE PEOPLE DEMANDING A MISFIT, MAD PRESIDENT TO GO HOME. WE ARE SURE YOU WILL JOIN THEM AFTER RETIREMENT
Angels Monday, 18 April 2022 09:47 PM
You have proved your words in Northern Province and the international community knows this well other than people living in this country.
D S de Silva Monday, 18 April 2022 09:49 PM
Very good clarification, however why are you protecting the thugs? Haven't these thugs hurt the innocent people of Sri Lanka? If you are true to your words are you really working towards the well being of the innocent civilians? Are you really committed to protect the innocent civilians who die on the streets, what are you doing about it? Let's see how true you are to your words. We shall see in the days to come.
shan Monday, 18 April 2022 09:58 PM
People will always appreciate and praise your good works. However, unjust, political plans and Rajepakshe supportive measures will never be appreciated, but will be condemned.
Mandayan Monday, 18 April 2022 09:58 PM
Now that the country is at IMF’s mercy, expect the worse for your men! First demand will be to reduce the numbers when there is no war!
Truth Seeker Monday, 18 April 2022 09:58 PM
Hail to the Chief: Keep it that way General. We the people of this treasured island take your words seriously.
Lan Monday, 18 April 2022 10:06 PM
It would be great mistake if any one harm this peaceful demonstration ..entire world is surprised and shocked to see this beautiful demonstration..people are literally dying out of Hunger and starvation .some people don't have money to buy food and due our Sri Lankan culture and custom Sri Lankan families don't go door to door to beg for food to protect the dignity and respect of their families . Army and police should know the ground reality on this matter ...if they can't act against the government for some legal reasons that is fine but don't try to harm by any means.. don't damage your reputation and people respect you but not politicians
AC Monday, 18 April 2022 10:29 PM
We all say is not to be a scrap goat of Gota and get your days also numbered like all othe politicians.
Sanath Wijesundara Monday, 18 April 2022 10:30 PM
We know that you are very faithful Rajapaksa family and you will go to any extend to protect their interest. You are not in the people side.But most of the soldiers are on peoples side.
James from London Monday, 18 April 2022 10:44 PM
Mr. Army Commander, Please bare in mind that your salaries and perks are not paid by the politicians but by the tax payers money. Hence you are duty bound to server by the people of this country and not any politician or there cronies.
Alam Monday, 18 April 2022 10:48 PM
1.Gota go home Utter failure No economy means no army, as u won’t be able to buy bullets or pay salary. It’s in your and our interest that Rajapaksa go home to jail.
K. Ranaweera Tuesday, 19 April 2022 09:02 AM
What about your fertilizer program headed by army when Gotabaya admitted it is a flop done by me.
Roshan samarathunga Tuesday, 19 April 2022 09:31 AM
For the sake of people take over the power and held transparent election not attacking innocent minorities before election to please your paymaster
Nimal Tuesday, 19 April 2022 12:13 PM
Come on man work with your brother in law Nelson
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