Army Commander Lieutenant General Rohan Daluwatte has stressed the need for all ranks in the Army to act as disciplined soldiers.
In his New Year message he states:
"As 1997 new year dawns, as Commander of the Army I extend my heartfelt best wishes to all officers and men, their families, civilian staff and their families. I consider this a great privilege. It is a tradition to issue such a message. I wish all of you all the best in the coming year.
"Let us reflect on the year that is ending. There is no doubt that 1996 will be recorded in history as a decisive year. After liberating the people of the Jaffna peninsula from the control of separatist terrorists, we went ahead undeterred to liberate Kilinochchi. The responsibility of preparing the ground work for civil administration was also entrusted to us. I take this opportunity to express my appreciation for carrying out in such a way it brought honour and respect from every one. It is not that there were no setbacks in the year that is ending. Without losing courage, we should strengthen our determination to prevent these setbacks from occurring in the future.
"We have to acknowledge that acts of indiscipline by a very small number brought disrepute not only to the Army but to the whole country. Without being a slave to your personal views, you should bear in mind to act as disciplined soldiers.
"As soldiers our job and duty is to safeguard peace-loving people of all communities and to work in harmony with them.
"Whilst saluting the heroes who have laid down their lives in protecting the territorial integrity of Sri Lanka, they will always remain in our memory. Our prime duty is to meet the families of those fallen heroes and extend whatever support that is required.
"Whilst praying for the speedy recovery of those injured heroes, we are committed to help them in every way possible.
"Whilst thanking all sportsmen in the Army for their performance which has brought credit and members of Seva Vanitha for contributing to welfare of soldiers, I wish every one a happy and a prosperous new year. We should commit ourselves to ensure peace in the New Year".
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