Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena praised the Sri Lankan army as “world recognised” and pledged to continue supporting troops in an address at a military passing out ceremony last week.
Speaking to soldiers at the Sri Lanka Military Academy (SLMA) at Diyatalawa, Mr Sirisena reportedly said he would do “everything possible to make the Sri Lankan Armed Forces one of the best in the world in future”.
“Ours is a world-recognized Army which has earned respect and dignity,” he added. “You can also now be a member of this proud organization to serve your motherland.”
His remarks come just days after the Sri Lankan president once again reiterated his opposition to foreign judges being involved in an accountability mechanism for violations of international law. Mr Sirisena has repeatedly stated his support for Sri Lankan troops, pledging that they would never face any international tribunals for war crimes.