Be accountable for assets maintained from the public money - Defence Secretary
December 13, 2020- More you reach higher in the ladder, more you are expected to act responsibly
More you reach higher in the ladder, the more you are expected to act responsibly, said Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne.
He said, Sri Lanka being a developing country, constantly allocates a considerable portion of its government revenue for the defence of the country and it is your responsibility to be accountable for your assets which are maintained from the public money.
The Defence Secretary expressed these remarks while addressing a Commissioning Ceremony as the Chief Guest, held at the prestigious Naval and Maritime Academy (NMA), Trincomalee yesterday (12 Dec).
The Defence Secretary was received by the Navy Commander Vice Admiral Nishantha Ulugetenne upon his arrival at the Navy's premier seat of learning at the eastern port city of Trincomalee and a ceremonial Guard of Honour was also accorded in keeping with the parade traditions.
Navy Commander Vice Admiral Ulugetenne and the Commandant Naval and Maritime Academy Commodore Dammika Kumara accompanied the Chief Guest for the parade inspections during the turnout.
A total of 62 new officers of the 35th Intake of General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) and 61st NMA intake received their commission during yesterday's splendid ceremony.
Midshipman AKS Perera of KDU and Midshipman KVR Karunarathne of NMA, being the ‘Best Midshipman’ of each intake throughout the respective training modules, received the ‘Sword of Honour’ from Maj. Gen. Gunaratne.
Midshipman AHGC De Silva and Midshipman RPL De Silva were announced and received trophies being the ‘Best Sportsman’ and ‘Best Marksman’ of the NMA intake respectively, while Midshipman AHTT Tharuka and Midshipman Imeshaka received trophies being the ‘Best Sportsman’ and ‘Best Marksman’ of the KDU intake, at the parade.
Meanwhile, Midshipman PV Kulasinghe secured the trophy for the ‘Highest Aggregate’ for Nautical Subjects, Professional Subjects and the Overall Subjects during the ceremony.
Officers' passing out parade is one of the momentous events of the NMA’s year calendar. On completion of successful naval training, officer under trainees are commissioned and passed out while organizing a glamorous naval parade in the presence of a distinguished nominee by the President and local and foreign dignitaries. Elegant royal naval traditions and drills are followed during the grand ceremony.
Further speaking to newly commissioned young naval officers on the significance of preserving harmony he said “You will not only be responsible to protect our motherland from multidimensional and non-traditional threats, but also to preserve the peace and ethnic harmony in the society”.
“Your loyalty towards the nation is never to be questioned and it is mandatory that you respect the rules and regulations which you are bound to obey in addition to the civil law; in your case, the Navy Act”, he stressed.
The same or even a higher extent of devotion is expected from the Navy to battle the non-traditional challenges of extremism and radicalization, steered by global misperceptions, which the country had to face in the recent past, he recalled.
Illustrating the sense of naval duty and its obligation to an island nation he said, “Armed Forces of a country are entrusted with the challenge of safeguarding the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the nation amidst any threat, be it from land, sea or sky; in which, the Navy specifically is tasked to ensure a secure ocean around the country”.
Recapturing the 70 years of trusted naval excellence of Sri Lanka Navy, Maj. Gen Gunaratne said, “The service rendered by the Navy; fighting fearlessly in the face of enemy to ensure safe seas, deterring enemy existence, during the three-decade-long war against ruthless terrorism, is highly commendable and will be cherished forever”.
Making a special mention on gallant soldiers who sacrificed their lives and those who got maimed, he said “They do deserve our honour and respect for today, tomorrow and always for the supreme sacrifices that they have made to give us a tomorrow”.
Addressing the new young officers, recalling the difficult times in the recent past, the Defence Secretary said, “it is of utmost importance to ponder upon the devotion and dedication extended by your predecessors by committing their youth for achieving the most anticipated aspiration of the nation; a country free of terrorism during the difficult times, that we as a country had to undergo in the past”.
It is to be always kept in mind that, the ethical components of the military leadership and principles of character such as Integrity, Professionalism and Empathy are the ethos embedded in understanding leadership which will become pivotal for you to develop your character, he stressed.
The Defence Secretary stated, “military leader is always expected to lead by example with empathy entrenched within his character and by understanding the heartbeat of his followers”.
Mentioning the features, which the Naval confrontations differ from other battles, where the mutual engagement of officers and sailors on a single platform which will be the decisive factor between the victory and defeat against enemy, he said “the Officers commanding the ship must possess the best knowledge on the abilities and weaknesses of their men individually, absence of which will bring disastrous consequences” adding that “Interacting your men and understanding their minds will eventually make you a good leader who earns respect as you cannot demand it”.
Further addressing young leaders destined to steer this glorious organisation amidst stormy weathers, he said “it is you who should be keen to develop your ability to discharge your potential on multidimensional tasks” adding that “You should be mindful to grasp any opportunity endowed to you as a blessing to improve your aptitude and professionalism”.
Mentioning the diversity of the fleet and crafts including the recently acquired larger vessels, integrated with sophisticated systems and the Navy’s expansion, he said “the optimum utilisation of those resources to ensure safe waters around the country will evidently require the professional competency up to the fullest standards from those who are commanding them” adding that “You are encouraged to grab every possible opportunity awarded to you to make yourself professionally competent, which will eventually avail you to serve the nation in a professional manner”.
The Defence Secretary also expressed his sincere appreciation to the Navy Commander, Vice Chancellor of the General Sir John Kotelawala Defence University and staffers for the job well-done in moulding these young officers and for infusing them with the professional skills required to safeguard Sri Lankan sea.
Chairperson Defence Ministry's Seva Vanitha Unit Mrs. Chithrani Gunaratne, Additional Secretary (Defence) P.B.S.C. Nonis, Navy Chief of Staff Rear Admiral Kapila Samaraweera, Deputy Inspector General of Police - Trincomalee Range, Senior Military Officers, distinguished invitees and the parents were also present at the colourful ceremony.
