President pledges to commit Lankan forces to safeguard global peace and stability

President Ranil Wickremesinghe said on Thursday (29) that Sri Lanka has been committed to safeguarding world peace and regional stability, and that he is ready to make decisive decisions for global peace.

President Ranil Wickremesinghe made this statement at the Sri Lanka Air Force Cadet Officers Commissioning Ceremony held at the Air Force Base China Bay, Trincomalee.

He also said the armed forces are “responsible and accountable for achieving this objective.”He said if the economic rights of Sri Lanka are harmed in the Red Sea, the country will take action to protect them.

He urged the cadets “to be prepared to follow the directives of your superiors. True discipline can only be achieved through mutual respect and adherence to authority.”

The President said: “You are entrusted with the responsibility of safeguarding the country from internal and external hostile forces. Presently, our nation’s economy, social structure, and political system are emerging from a state of collapse. We cannot regress to that era; thus, we must progress forward from here. A significant modernization of the country is imperative for this purpose. We must embark on a swift economic transformation towards rapid development.

Moreover, it is essential not only to safeguard our nation from external threats but also to uphold regional security in light of the current international political landscape.

Any disturbance to the peace and stability of the region poses a threat to our country. We cannot thrive in isolation; rather, we must collaborate with other nations and progress together.

‘As a country that has experienced conflict, it is our duty to actively participate in initiatives aimed at maintaining stability and security in the region. Additionally, global peace is of utmost importance to us. Therefore, if the involvement of our armed forces is required in such endeavours, our nation should be prepared to intervene.

“Our security forces have played a significant role in safeguarding the state of Mali from terrorism, earning appreciation from others for their efforts. In the event that our economic rights are compromised in the Red Sea, we are steadfast in our commitment to protecting them.

Over the next decade, our armed forces will undergo significant transformations to align with the technological advancements of the modern era. In today’s technologically driven world, our military operations are increasingly reliant on technology, and it is imperative that we systematically adapt to this reality. I hereby declare that you, as members of our armed forces, are tasked with advancing as a formidable military force, equipped to navigate these evolving challenges effectively.”