Once a soldier, always a soldier - Defence Secretary
June 11, 2020Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne emphasizing the requirement of serving well with pride said that soldiers cannot retire.
Addressing officials of Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Ltd today (June 11), Defence Secretary told the Chairman, Chief Executive Officer Maj. (Retd.) Dulath L. Wijetilleke and the officials to explore the feasibility of creating more employment opportunities in line with government’s financial and other policies.
Referring to his former military career and the present position as the Defence Secretary, and indicating that the soldiers have been trained, motivated and groomed to serve, Maj. Gen. Gunaratne said, “Once a soldier, always a soldier”.
He said, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, when he was the Defence Secretary had established Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Ltd, the organization of this magnitude which facilitates employment opportunities for thousands of retired soldiers.
Maj. Gen. Gunaratne stated that persons, who join the Army in the age of 18-years, and retire after completing 22 years of service, were still healthy and competent and could be employed to get their service effectively.
“Rakna Arakshaka Lanka Ltd has been established to protect our motherland and it is our responsibility to bring this organization to a new height”, he said.
