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(Aljazeera)

The presentation of the “Vishishta Seva Vibhushana” medals, awarded in recognition of the distinguished service rendered by senior officers of the regular forces of the Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force, was held this afternoon (30) at the Presidential Secretariat under the patronage of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake.

The President stated that the senior officers of the three Armed Forces receiving the “Vishishta Seva Vibhushana” medals today have made an exceptional contribution to the country and its people. He noted that they remained committed to their duties and accountable for their responsibilities regardless of whether it was day or night, whether weather conditions were favourable or adverse, or whether their lives were at risk. He emphasised that the country needs a public service of this nature today.

The “Vishishta Seva Vibhushana” medal, established as an award under a proclamation issued by the President, is a distinguished honour. It is awarded only to officers of the three Armed Forces who have completed at least 25 years of continuous service and have maintained a commendable service record, and in  accordance with regulations established by the President through a notification published in the Gazette regarding its conferment, forfeiture or restoration.

A total of 57 serving and retired officers of the three Armed Forces were presented with the “Vishishta Seva Vibhushana” medals by the President.

Following the presentation, the President joined the medal recipients for a group photograph.

The full speech delivered by President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on the occasion is as follows:

“We have a special appreciation for you as a group of officers who have demonstrated a strong sense of responsibility and accountability. As the most senior officers of the three Armed Forces, you are receiving one of the most important and distinguished honours today. You have earned this honour in recognition of the exceptional contribution you have made throughout a significant part of your lives towards safeguarding our motherland and its people. We are deeply grateful to you for the outstanding service you have rendered in protecting the country and its people.

As the most senior officers who have served in the three Armed Forces, you have played an exceptional role for more than 25 years, including during the highly complex periods of armed conflict faced by our country and during other natural disasters. I know that you carried out these responsibilities with greater commitment, endurance and risk than an ordinary public servant. Your wives and family members also played an exceptional role in supporting you throughout your discharge of these social responsibilities. They stood behind you and provided the strength and support you needed while you made immense sacrifices and faced considerable risks. We must also extend our special appreciation to them for the significant role they played in supporting you.

One of the major challenges we face as a Government today is the lack of a strong public service. The public service has suffered a significant decline. We are all aware, to varying degrees, of the reasons that have contributed to this situation. If we are to move forward as a country, we need a strong public service. The contribution you have made as public officials towards strengthening the public service has been exceptional. As the most senior officers of the three Armed Forces, you have played a significant role in serving the public service. You remained committed to your duties. You did not consider whether your duties had to be performed during the day or at night, under favourable or adverse weather conditions, or in situations where your lives were at risk. You remained committed to your duties and accountable for your responsibilities. We need a public service of this nature. As a group that has demonstrated responsibility and accountability, we have a special appreciation for you.

If our country has experienced setbacks on many fronts, overcoming these challenges and moving forward requires people who have the resilience to endure them. You are receiving this distinguished “Vishishta Seva Vibhushana” honour today as a group that has faced the challenges encountered throughout your careers and made an exceptional contribution towards overcoming them.

A common challenge we face as a country is establishing professionalism. We can create positions and professions. However, the question remains as to whether an individual has attained the required professional standard in the discharge of their duties. Today, these 57 officers have been selected from among the many officers of the three Armed Forces as those who have demonstrated such professionalism. This is essential to our public service. You have set important examples towards restoring the public service.

There is also a concern regarding discipline within our public service and society. All of us must have the ability to maintain self-discipline. This is extremely important if we are to move forward as a country. Public servants work within the public service in the course of their duties, while in their everyday lives, they live and interact with wider society. In such circumstances, how do we maintain self-discipline? Many countries have progressed not merely through laws and regulations, but through the self-discipline developed by their people.

Society is exposed to many forms of irregularities and anti-social activities. In such an environment, how do we maintain self-discipline? If we are able to maintain self-discipline regardless of the external environment, even when it is contrary to such values, that is extremely important.

It is true that the “Vishishta Seva Vibhushana” award recognises your service. It is also true that, as President, I and the State honour you. However, this should no longer be regarded as something personal. This is not merely a medal or recognition that you have received. It should be regarded as a social responsibility. Only then can you become an example to your children, neighbours and relatives. You can also become an example to your institution. Only then can we rebuild our public service and society, which are facing a serious decline, and provide an example for others to follow. Therefore, I believe that the medal you receive in recognition of your distinguished service will serve as a foundation for our society to move in a new direction”.

Deputy Minister of Defence, Major General Aruna Jayasekara (Retired), Secretary to the President Dr Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal H. S. Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd) and senior officials, including the Commanders of the three Armed Forces, were also present.

[President’s Media Division]