CHIEF OF DEFENCE STAFF EXTENDS NEW YEAR GREETINGS FOR TRI SERVICES

With the hope that the dawn of a New Year, according to Sinhala and Tamil traditions would make a new period of peace, prosperity and reconciliation among all communities, Office of the Chief of Defence Staff arranged a traditional 'Avurudu Table' on 18th April 2022 at the Mihilaka Medura premises of the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) to celebrate this all important event of the nation.

Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil, on arrival at the venue as the Chief Guest was received by Major General Ajith Dissanayake RWP RSP USP, Chief of Staff, Major General A C Lamahewa WWV RWP RSP, Director General General Staff and several other Tri Service senior officers serving at the Office of the Chief Defence Staff.

Giving priority for traditions, the customary event got underway with the lighting of the traditional oil lamp. Meanwhile, Chief of Defence Staff during his address to all ranks who were present at the occasion, conveyed seasonal greetings and highlighted not to be misled by the social media statements given by the interested parties to achieve their ulterior motives.

Chief of Defence Staff further expressed that he very strongly and firmly denies those false propaganda and completely rejects such attempts, meant to bring disrepute to armed forces of the country.

He simultaneously mentioned that, current serving troops remain more trained, professionally-qualified and well-suited to take on any security challenge, in this scenario, only if the Sri Lanka Police call us to assist them and assuredly committed to safeguard the State and its people round the clock in conformity with the provisions given in the Constitution.

Towards the end of the address, he conveyed his heartiest wishes to all serving members of the Tri Services, family members of fallen war heroes and serving members, civil staffers and their family members and wished for a very happy and prosperous New Year which would realize all dreams and hopes of everyone.

Subsequently, Chief of Defence Staff distributed New Year gifts for the military and civilian staff of the OCDS.