Army Commander visits Jaffna

Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya making his first visit to the Jaffna peninsula yesterday after he took office as the 19th Army Commander appreciated and commended the contribution made by Jaffna-based troops during the height of successfully concluded Vanni operations.

He was received in Palaly by Major General G.P.R. de Silva, Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna (SFHQ-J), 51 Division General Officer Commanding Brigadier P.W.B. Jayasundara and several senior officers before he was conducted to the Security Forces Headquarters.

Addressing 51 Division and the SFHQ-J troops Lt. Gen. Jayasuriya thanked Jaffna troops for their support, extended during the peak of Vanni operations while holding Jaffna peninsula intact, free from any LTTE attack.

All time surveillance and vigil shown by Jaffna troops have maintained the status quo and it should be continued unhindered. In the future, in line with the government’s accelerated development programs, the troops are expected to play a more vigorous and dynamic role to achieve the country’s economic targets, he added.

Emphasizing the need to maintain the highest degree of discipline among the soldiers, the Commander reminded that no one should try to tarnish the Army image since its popularity is at its peak now among common masses. He also explained how more training opportunities could be made available to all in the future with peace now prevailing. He also toured Varani and Veththalkerni and spoke to the troops attached to 52, 55 Divisions and Task Force VII and briefed them on current security developments, future roles of the Army and the prevailing public perception on the Army after defeating the LTTE.

Major General G.P.R. de Silva, Commander, Security Forces Headquarters, Jaffna (SFHQ-J), Major General Mano Perera, Director General, General Staff Major General P.P.De. Silva, General Officer Commanding 55 Division, Brigadier S.D.T. Liyanage, General Officer Commanding 52 Division, Brigadier A.W.M.P.R. Senevirathne, Commander Task Force - VII and several senior Army officers were associated with him.