No room for terrorism

http://www.dailynews.lk/2010/12/13/sec01.asp

No room for terrorism

Dharma Sri Abeyratne
Terrorism which brought much devastation to the country over three decades will never be allowed to resurface again, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said. The Defence Secretary addressing the passing out ceremony of the Special Force at Maduruoya Saturday, said terrorism will never be allowed to destroy the peaceful situation in the country since measures have been taken to safeguard the country.
Awards for top five
Three Second Lieutenants and two Lance Corporals received awards for their outstanding performances from Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. Second Lieutenant E K D R Ekanayaka was awarded two merit awards for his unique achievements during the training program, while E K D R Ekanayake received the Best Marksman and the Cleverest Student awards. Second Lieutenant W G S S Weerasinghe and Lance Corporal G R N P Premarathne received the award for the best physical trainer. Second Lieutenant D M U R Bandara obtained the award for the cleverest student while Lance Corporal M P Sanjeewa received the best marksman’s award.
Defence Secretary Rajapaksa said the Special Force members’ services are praiseworthy since they have worked with dedication and devotion making a lot of sacrifices. Special Force members have rendered a yeoman service during the humanitarian mission, he said.
“Even though terrorism is over and the country is free from terrorism, everyone is duty bound to maintain the peaceful situation,” he said.
”The lessons learnt during the three decade military operations are vital to keep this peaceful atmosphere. No one should allow such a period to dawn again,” the Defence Secretary stressed.
Out of 1,400 officials, 454 members, including 11 officers and 443 soldiers who underwent a nine month Special Forces training program, passed out on Saturday at the Maduruoya Special Forces Training School.
The Special Force was formed with 35 members in 1985 by the Sri Lanka Army aiming to achieve unachievable goals specially in the humanitarian mission. Measures had been later taken to increase the human resources of the Special Force as the unit was an icon in military forces. According to these initiatives, the Maduruoya Training School was established in 1992.