Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, General Shavendra Silva on the eve of the dawn of the Sinhala and Hindu New Year flew to Jaffna this morning (12) in order to share New Year greetings with Tri Service troops serving the peninsula as a military leader, concerned with seasonal sentiments of those troops, away from their loved ones in families.
At Palaly airport, he was warmly welcomed by Major General Priyantha Perera, Commander Security Forces -Jaffna and senior officers of the Navy, Air Force personnel. The itinerary got to a start at the Sri Lanka Air Force base Palaly soon after his arrival as General Shavendra Silva rose to his feet, addressing a gathering of three-digit number of tri service troops.
During the address, he highlighted the national significance of the troops, committed for national security and commended the selfless commitment of troops, extended for prevention of Covid 19 pandemic and their dedicated services to safeguard lives of citizens in the Jaffna peninsula. He also reminded the troops of their nation-building roles and civil-military welfare projects, being carried out in the peninsula. Similarly, General Shavendra Silva outlined the series of welfare measures, meant for the troops and how various benefits are shared among all troops as per directions of HE the President and Ministry of Defence.
At the end of his troop address, the Commander Security Forces -Jaffna, on behalf of all ranks serving under the Security Force HQ- Jaffna presented a token of appreciation to the visiting Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army.
The visiting Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army was greeted to a drive-past , presented by 14 Gajaba Regiment troops. Later on, a discussion followed with the visiting Commander of the Army at the Security Force Headquarters-Jaffna where Security Force Commanders of Jaffna, Kilinochchi and Mullaitivu were also present.
After a while, the visiting Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army handed over a couple of 4 Sri Lanka Army Electrical & Mechanical Engineers (SLEME) Regiment repaired in shorter period and refurbished heavy vehicles, trucks, tractors and a three-wheeler for the respective establishments .
The day’s Chief Guest also gave away a stock of New Year gifts for distribution among Divisions, Brigades and Battalions under the Security Force Headquarters-Jaffna and 10 tri services – veterans in the Jaffna Peninsula.