• Focus on duty, unity, and national service
• Army praised for cyclone relief efforts

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake said the country can move forward not through suspicion or distrust, but by fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to everyone with determination and purpose.

He emphasised that by properly fulfilling the responsibilities entrusted to the Government, religious institutions, the security forces, and citizens, Sri Lanka could be strengthened and rebuilt with the pride and honour reflected in its history. He called on everyone to work together toward this common goal.

President Dissanayake made these remarks at the commissioning and passing out parade of cadet officers at the Sri Lanka Military Academy in Diyatalawa yesterday (21). He inspected the parade, presented championship flags to the best cadet team, handed swords to the cadet officers, and awarded the Presidential Merit Awards to officers who topped their respective courses.

He noted that although the country has a rich heritage and notable achievements, it has faced multiple challenges and setbacks over the past few decades.

The President added that he intends to fully utilise the responsibilities entrusted to him as Head of State to develop the country. "The Government is working to build the economy, ensure the rule of law, and transform politics from a profession focused on amassing wealth into one that serves the public," he said.

Addressing the cadets, he said that entering the Academy and receiving internationally recognised training is a pivotal moment in their lives. He urged them to move forward in their professional careers while fulfilling the expectations of their parents and the Nation.

Speaking further, Dissanayake stressed that the Government and the Nation place great hopes on the cadets, acknowledging the sacrifices of senior officers who have served to protect the country’s security and the well-being of its people. He reminded the cadets that they stand on land where heroic actions in the past required great sacrifices for national freedom and security, and the Army carries a great responsibility to ensure the safety of the country.

Referring to the recent Cyclonic disaster, the President noted the Army played a critical role in assisting affected communities. He expressed gratitude to military personnel for their work in restoring the lives of citizens in the face of extreme challenges. "Rebuilding our country requires collective effort. To achieve that, we all must work to strengthen human relationships, including those between parents and children, teachers and students, and religious institutions and communities," he added.