The Mayor of Jaffna and Jaffna’s District Government Agent have announced their appreciation of the Sri Lankan Army’s presence in Jaffna.
Both speaking at a prize-giving ceremony organised by the Army for Year 5 students, Mayor of Jaffna, Mrs Yogeswari Patkunarajah is reported to have said:
“At one time we all saw the Army as enemies; times have changed and today we have become a community of integrated Sri Lankans living alongside our brothers in the Army.”
Mrs Patkunarajah also pointed out the numerous educational facilities provided for free by the government, claiming that:
“While integrating ourselves into the country, we should remain grateful to the government.”
Jaffna’s GA, Sundaram Arumainayagam was also full of praise for Jaffna’s military presence, mentioning their many contributions to civil life and stating:
“As we have the full contribution of the army and police in Jaffna, our administration is taking forward projects with the right management framework.”
The GA also spoke about various occasions where the army has lent a helping hand, such as in building and cleaning, saying:
“The army is working together with us to develop not only education but general living standards as well.”