The contribution by the Sri Lanka Army (SLA) in rescuing the country and its people from any disaster that befalls the country is commendable, Environment Minister Mahinda Amaraweera said. He was launching a programme to plant 10,000 Kumbuk saplings to mark the 72nd anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army yesterday morning at the Defence Headquarters, Baththaramulla.
Environment Ministry Secretary Dr. Anil jasinghe and several high Army Officials participated.
“Today marks the 72nd anniversary of the Sri Lanka Army. The President and the Army Commander are in Anuradhapura today participating in a serious of programme in this regard,” the Minister said.
“The Sri Lanka Army is a disciplined and efficient army with a distinguished history. We extend our warmest greetings to the Sri Lanka Army who risked their lives to protect the country and its people not only during the war but also in every other disaster. The contribution of all our security forces, including the Sri Lanka Army, to the liberation of the country and its people is commendable,” the Minister said.
“We all know the role played by the war heroes of the Sri Lanka Army in rescuing the country from 30 years’ terrorist activities. The assistance provided by the Army is significant not only in natural disasters such as hurricanes, floods and landslides but also in a serious road accident. I do not think that any other country has played a role such as the role played by the Sri Lanka Army in rescuing the people from this COVID 19 pandemic,” the Minister said.
The Minister appreciated the national mission of all other security forces and the Sri Lanka Police.
The Minister said that steps being taken by the Sri Lanka Army to protect the environment today during their 72nd anniversary by planting 10,000 saplings at 10 locations under their tree planting programme, Thuru Mituru- Nawa Ratak and the Husma Dena Thuru Programme of the Environment Ministry are remarkable.
“We have named this programme as Husma Dena Thuru Dasathinma. The Army has also agreed to assist in cleaning 103 rivers in the country under the Surakimu Ganga programme initiated by the Ministry under the guidance of the President,” the Minister said.
“For the first time, with the full intervention of the President, the Sri Lanka Army, the Special Task Force and the Sri Lanka Police have extended their support to enforce the law against those who destroy the environment,” the Minister said.The Minister thanked the officers of the Sri Lanka Army, the War Heroes and Officers of the Ministry for their support in organising the event successfully.
Add new comment