Pakistan’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Maj. Gen. Faheem Ul Aziz, met with President Anura Kumara Dissanayake today (10) at the Presidential Secretariat.

High Commissioner Aziz extended his congratulations to President Dissanayake on his recent election victory and conveyed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening its partnership with Sri Lanka.

The High Commissioner also delivered a letter of congratulations from Pakistan’s President, Asif Ali Zardari, who emphasized on the deep ties between the two nations. “Pakistan deeply values its close relations with Sri Lanka. Our bilateral cooperation is rooted in shared values of democracy, pluralism, rule of law, mutual understanding, and respect. I look forward to working closely with you for further strengthening  bilateral relations for the mutual benefit of our two bations” President Zardari stated.

The discussions between President Dissanayake and High Commissioner Aziz focused on enhancing the longstanding political and security ties between the two countries. The High Commissioner also reaffirmed Pakistan’s support in the defence, education, livestock and IT sector.

Honourable Justice of the Supreme Court Murdu Nirupa Bidushinie Fernando took the oath of office as Acting Chief Justice of Sri Lanka before President Anura Kumara Dissanayake  at the Presidential Secretariat this morning (October 10)

[PMD]

Defence Secy. assures regular entitlements won’t be curtailed

Defence Secretary retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyakontha has assured the armed forces that contrary to claims, reports and speculation, the NPP government will not curtail various entitlements provided to them.

The declaration was made at the Sri Lanka Air Force (SLAF) Headquarters at the Defence Headquarters Complex, Pelawatte, on Monday (Oct 07).

AVM Thuyakontha, who was in the centre of controversy in the run-up to the presidential election over his support for Anura Kumara Dissanayake’s candidature and blacklisted by the SLAF, visited several divisions of Air Force HQ accompanied by the Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapaksa and other senior officers.

Military Liaison Officer of the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Padman de Costa also joined the Defence Secretary on his visit to the Air Force HQ.

During the war, Thuyakontha served as the Commanding Officer of the famed 09 Squadron consisting of Mi-24 helicopter gunships.

AVM Thuyakontha reiterated the government’s commitment to the general welfare of the armed forces.

However, the government has declared that what is called ‘motivation incentive allowance’ paid to security forces personnel attached to security units of former VIPs was stopped from Sept. 22, the day after the presidential election.

The Defence Ministry has informed the Army, Navy and Air Force commanders that there was no requirement for ‘motivation incentive allowance’ as the provision of such security has been discontinued.

According to the Defence Ministry, only security units attached to the Chief of Defence Staff, three service commanders and former presidents would continue to receive the special allowance. (SF)