Secretary Defence speaks to GR war heroes & acknowledges their
sacrifices
 The
linchpin and tower of strength behind the successful completion of the
war against terrorism, Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Secretary Defence who
was formally an infantryman in his mother unit, the prestigious Gajaba
Regiment (GR) recalled his cherished yesteryear memories when he paid a
visit to the GR Headquarters at Saliyapura, Anuradhapura Friday (5)
morning.
On his arrival a Guard Turn-out plus a special Guard
of Honour saluted the visiting former soldier turned Secretary Defence
who stood firm in the country's quest for durable peace, free from
terrorist violence.
A solemn moment, dignified with sentiments of valour
and gratitude was next on his agenda. Mr. Rajapaksa placed floral
bouquets at the foot of the marble War Hero monument at the entrance to
the GR Headquarters and saluted to their memory. The next stop added
further significance as he made a bee-line to offer his moving respect
to the fallen military stalwart, Major General Wijaya Wimalarathne who
was GR's architect and served it as its first Commanding Officer.
Mr. Rajapaksa, impressed with new additions and
improvement in the GR Headquarters premises took time off to move about
freely for himself in the company of senior GR officers, including Wanni
War Heroes, Major General Jagath Dias, General Officer Commanding in 57
Division, Major General Kamal Gunarathna General Officer Commanding in
53 Division, Brigadier C. Gallage General Officer Commanding in 55
Division, Brigadier Shavendra Silva, General Officer Commanding in 58
Division, GR Commandant and a few senior and junior officers.
Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa afterwards addressed all ranks
and assured that everything possible would be done by his Ministry and
the government for promotion of welfare measures of the soldiers who
selflessly fought on behalf of the country and also for families of
fallen War Heroes. Touched by his assurances, thundering applause
greeted encouraging comments made by the visiting top-most administrator
in the defence hierarchy. He also interacted with soldiers who had
particularly come to listen to him away from their duty points in newly
liberated Wanni areas. As the last leg of his itinerary, Secretary
Defence sat for lunch with hundreds of GR troopers before he left the
premises.
Major General Jagath Dias representing all Keterians,
as they are popularly called, gifted a special memento to the visiting
Secretary Defence as a token of memory after Mr. Rajapaksa left his
signature on the VIP book at GR headquarters. Mrs. Ioma Rajapaksa was
also associated with the visit.
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