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The newly appointed commander of Sri Lanka's army pledged to give the “highest priority to national security”, as he worshipped at the Temple of the Tooth and met with the Buddhist clergy in Kandy, on Friday.
Speaking to reporters in Kandy, Lieutenant General Crishanthe De Silva, vowed that troop numbers would not be reduced in the Tamil North-East of the island, saying,
“I will give the highest priority to National Security. The army has a responsibility towards the National Security of the country.”
The Sri Lankan army's official website meanwhile posted photographs of his visit to the Temple of the Tooth, stating the trip was “in keeping with age-old traditions and military formalities that have been practised since founding of the Army”.
During his visit, the commander met with the Buddhist clergy, who were pleased at his commitment to upholding security, reported the army.
“Most Ven Thibbotuwawe Sri Sumangalabhidhana Mahanayake Thero expressed his gretings and invoked blessings on the new appointment wishing him all the strength and good luck with his duties,” said the army.
It also reported that “Most Ven Mahanayake Thero expressed his pleasure on the appointment and spoke high of the Army’s commitment to the security of the country.”