The Army will continue to carry out national development projects in conjunction with the public, Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva said. He told troops in Jaffna on Friday (20) that it is of paramount importance to maintain a high level of discipline with officers and other ranks. Lieutenant General Silva appealed to all ranks to perform their duties with dedication and commitment and told them they should always perform with a relaxed and content mind while being happy with a serene smile. “In future too, the SL Army will have to carry out national development projects in conjunction with the public, hence it is imperative to strengthen professionalism through career development to ensure the success of these projects,” the Army Commander said. He said that the Sri Lanka Army needs to look at its contribution to the nation-building process. He said the nation-building process should not be restricted to mere construction and so the Army must develop its understanding of the nation’s togetherness to reach a state of ultimate sustainability in the nation. “We need to develop positive dialogues with all stakeholders of our nation’s development to drive under a common ground that will be felt by all citizens of this country and hold each and every one who call themselves Sri Lankans accountable for it. “We should take the lead to develop Sri Lanka through our contribution. Sri Lankan society is comprised of multi-ethnic, multireligious people as well as people of different casts, faiths, and beliefs. It is only if we stand together as one nation that unity will be achieved. In this respect, we as the Sri Lanka Army should be an example to the rest of the country,” he said. Addressing senior officers separately, the Commander touched on several vital concerns and urged them to reach a state of objectivity and perform well in the eyes of the public.