President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said national progress cannot be achieved through suspicion and mistrust, but only through unity, determination and the responsible fulfilment of duties by all stakeholders.
He emphasised that when the President and Government, religious institutions, the public and the security forces properly carry out their respective responsibilities, the country can be rebuilt swiftly with the pride and dignity it once held in history. The President called on everyone to work together towards this common goal.
The President made these remarks this morning (21) while attending as Chief Guest at the Commissioning and Passing Out Parade of cadet officers at the Sri Lanka Military Academy in Diyatalawa.
Noting Sri Lanka’s proud heritage and history of victories, President Dissanayake said the country has experienced multiple forms of decline over the past few decades. He added that the responsibility before the nation today is to transform Sri Lanka into a country that commands high value and respect on the global stage once again.
He assured that, as President and as a government, he would fulfil the responsibilities entrusted to him to rebuild the nation, including restoring the economy, strengthening the rule of law and transforming politics into a service-oriented responsibility rather than a means of personal gain.
Commander-in-Chief President Anura Kumara Dissanayake was received with full military honours upon his arrival at the Diyatalawa Military Academy. The occasion marked the 100th Passing Out Parade of the Academy, the Army’s premier officer training institution.
A total of 240 cadet officers from several regular, short and volunteer courses were commissioned into the Sri Lanka Army following the successful completion of their training. The intake also included eight foreign cadet officers.
The President inspected the parade and presented Championship Colours to the best cadet squad, swords to the newly commissioned officers and Presidential Merit Awards to officers who secured first place in their respective courses.
Addressing the gathering, President Dissanayake commended the Sri Lanka Army for its vital role during times of national crisis and expressed special appreciation for the Army’s service in rescuing civilians and providing assistance during the recent cyclone.
He congratulated the newly commissioned officers, urging them to uphold the honour, professionalism and values of the Army, fulfil the hopes of their parents and senior officers, and serve the nation with dedication.
The President concluded by reiterating that rebuilding the nation requires collective effort and mutual trust, and invited all citizens to unite in transforming Sri Lanka into a country of dignity, resilience and global respect.
