Army says its prime responsibility includes protecting the Constitution and democracy

The Sri Lanka Army says its prime responsibility includes protecting the Constitution and democracy.

Army Commander, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, in a message to mark Army Day Message today, said that the prime responsibility of the Sri Lanka Army is to identify threats to national security and act against those concerns, protect the Constitution and democracy in the country and secure national interests.

“Further, we should pioneer the accomplishment of reconciliation and desired development goals in economic, social and cultural aspects and provide a maximum contribution towards those initiatives. Besides, the Army’s involvement in restoring the agricultural sector has been significant in overcoming the current economic crisis in the country. It is my main objective to lead you to be exemplary to the public in selflessly committing to duty, economical usage of the existing limited resources and supporting the recovery from the prevailing condition where the country needs financial stability to move forward,” he said.

Meanwhile, President Ranil Wickremesinghe, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on the recommendation of the Ministry of Defence and Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, Commander of the Army, attaching significance to the 73rd Army Anniversary Day (October 10) promoted a total of 372 Officers of the Sri Lanka Army (Regular and Volunteer Force) and a record 7127 Other Ranks of the Army (Regular Force and Volunteer Force and Extra Regimental Employment Basis) to their respective next rank.

Accordingly, 05 Brigadiers to the rank of Major General, 23 Colonels to the rank of Brigadier, 28 Lieutenant Colonels to the rank of Colonel, 35 Majors to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel, 125 Captains to the rank of Major, 63 Lieutenants to the rank of Captain and 93 Second Lieutenants to the rank of Lieutenant (Regular Force & Volunteer Force) have been thus promoted in the Officers’ category.

In the category of Other Ranks, a total of 136 Warrant Officers-11 to the rank of Warrant Officer-1, 624 Staff Sergeants to the rank of Warrant Officer-11, 911 Sergeants to the rank of Staff Sergeant, 1250 Corporals to the rank of Sergeant, 2199 Lance Corporals to the rank of Corporal and 2007 Privates to the rank of Lance Corporal (Regular Force, Volunteer Force and Extra Regimental Employment basis) have also been promoted.

Five Senior Brigadiers who have been elevated to the two-star Major General rank in the Army included Brigadier Senaka Kasthurimudali of Gemunu Watch, Commandant, Army Training School – Maduru Oya, Brigadier Ranjan Jayasekara of Sri Lanka Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Director, Electrical and Mechanical Engineers, Brigadier Janaka Priyadarshana of Mechanized Infantry Regiment, General Officer Commanding 66 Division, Brigadier Roshan Jayamanna of Gemunu Watch, General Officer Commanding 14 Division and Brigadier Janaka Ranasinghe of Sri Lanka Artillery attached to Regimental Centre. (Colombo Gazette)