President Ranil Wickremesinghe, emphasizing the monumental responsibility borne by the Security Forces, yesterday said that protecting the sovereignty of the country is paramount. The President said that no external interference or restriction shall be tolerated.
President Wickremesinghe, 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, highlighted the Security Forces’ role in safeguarding both the people’s sovereignty and the distinctive identity of Sri Lanka. He said that any attempt to act independently based on racism or religion would pose a threat to Sri Lanka’s identity.
President Wickremesinghe commended the Sri Lankan Army, acknowledging its talent and proud history. The President called upon them to provide fearless leadership to those under their command.
The President reaffirmed Sri Lanka’s status as a sovereign state, emphasizing the nation’s history of Independence since 1948. He said that the sovereignty of the country belongs to its people, with Governments elected through popular vote. The President said the foundational importance of Sri Lanka’s identity was important, urging all citizens, irrespective of ethnicity Sinhala, Tamil and Muslim, to work collectively to safeguard and preserve the national identity. The President said the Army has a profound responsibility in safeguarding the sovereignty of the country. He said this duty should remain unquestionable and impervious to any attempts to restrict or compromise it.
Two-hundred-and-seventy-four cadets successfully completed their training and were appointed to their respective roles. Six cadet officers from foreign countries also underwent training and assumed duties. President Wickremesinghe, as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, participated in the inspection of the Colours Re-Awarding and Commissioning Parade, where he bestowed the championship award upon the best cadet team and presented a sword to the outstanding cadets.
