The Sri Lanka Navy holds a special place of honour for the decisive role it played in changing the tide of against the forces of terror in our country, said President Mahinda Rajapaksa, in a message to make the Commissioning Parade of Officers of the Sri Lanka Navy at Trincomalee, last Saturday (March 7).

“At a time when Sri Lanka has earned the admiration of the world for its exemplary achievement in defeating terrorism, all Sri Lankans are indebted to our heroic men and women of the Armed Forces for this great triumph,” the President said.
 

Here is the text of the President’s message:

I am pleased to send this message to the souvenir to mark the Commissioning Parade of the 45th Intake of Midshipmen, Direct Entry Volunteer Lady Officers Intake 02/2008, Direct Entry Volunteer Officers Intake 03/2008 and Direct Entry Volunteer Counseling Officers at the Naval and Maritime Academy in Trincomalee.

You are being commissioned to serve your Motherland with utmost patriotism and to safeguard the unity, sovereignty and territorial integrity of our country. This responsibility comes to you when the heroic men and women in the Armed Forces of Sri Lanka has brought the country to the threshold of defeating terrorism that have haunted our country and its people for nearly three decades. You will now be in the forefront of those ushering a new era of peace and stability to our Motherland, bringing equality to all our citizens who can look forward with genuine expectations of peace and tranquility.

As your Commander-in-Chief I wish to remind you of your duty and responsibility to uphold the rich traditions of the Naval Service and to move forward honouring the highest standards of discipline in the performance of all duties entrusted to you. You should be strengthened in your determination to succeed by recent accomplishments of the Sri Lanka Navy, especially in the daring operations in the high seas to destroy the floating armouries of LTTE terror.

Personally this is a specially memorable occasion for me and my wife as we witness our son being inducted to the noble service of the Sri Lanka Navy, as it must be to all parents gathered here to share in the pride of the commissioning of their children.

At a time when Sri Lanka has earned the admiration of the world for its exemplary achievement in defeating terrorism, all Sri Lankans are indebted to our heroic men and women of the Armed Forces for this great triumph. In this achievement the Sri Lanka Navy holds a special place of honour for the decisive role it played in changing the tide of against the forces of terror in our country.

On this memorable occasion I pay my tribute and that of the people of Sri Lanka, to the parents who have inspired and encouraged their children to join the Sri Lanka Navy to defend our Motherland. I remember with respect all those of the Sri Lanka Navy who have paid the supreme sacrifice in this great cause. I congratulate all officers being commissioned today and wish them all success in their future professional pursuits.

May you all receive the blessings of the Noble Triple Gem!