President asks citizens to set aside political differences for the country

President Maithripala Sirisena says all citizens should commit themselves without political partiality to fulfilling responsibilities for future of the country.

Addressing the 93rd passing out ceremony of the Sri Lanka Military Academy in Diyatalawa on Saturday, President Sirisena said he is committed to fulfilling every task that needs to be done to strengthen the country’s democracy and freedom.

The President also highlighted the importance of security services working with an understanding of the responsibilities of national security as well as of the challenges to the country.

The President further stated that unlike the attacks faced in the past, the country is at present being challenged by foreign powers.

He stressed that politicians, public servants as well as citizens should identify such threats and be dedicated to fulfilling their responsibilities for the future of the country.

Participating in the passing out ceremony as the Chief Guest, the President inspected the parade of the cadet officers and presented the champion flag to the best cadet team and the sword to the cadet officers.

On that day, 234 cadet officers trained in the Science Faculty of the Sri Lanka Military Academy in Diyatalawa passed out.

The President also declared open the new auditorium constructed at the Diyatalawa Military Academy as a gift from the Chinese Government to Sri Lanka.

The auditorium, which has a capacity of 750 and equipped with all modern amenities, was built at a cost of Rs. 2.752 billion.

At the event, the Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Cheng Xueyuan presented to the President the documents of the official transfer of the auditorium to the Sri Lankan Government.

Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, former Chief of Defence Staff Jagath Jayasuriya, senior officers of the Tri Forces, distinguished guests and parents of the cadet officers were also present on the occasion.