Security Forces Commander North and Colonel Commandant of the Armoured Corps Major Gen G. A. Chandrasiri Tuesday said that the officers and men of the Armoured Corps have made many sacrifices to defend the territorial integrity and the sovereignty of the country.

He was addressing the officers and men of the Armoured Corps at an investiture ceremony held at Rock House camp to award gallantry medals to four soldiers of whom three had fought valiantly in re-capturing lost territory from the LTTE in Pallai in the year 2000.

Having joined the army as privates, all three of them had served most part of their career in operational areas.

The General said that the soldiers of the regiment have fought gallantly in the battle inflicting maximum damage on the enemy. Their capabilities and experience have been an asset on the Jaffna, Welioya fronts and they had proved their metal in the battle against the terrorists to liberate the East.

"During the last few years officers and men of the Armoured Corps have been awarded over 100 medals for acts of bravery. This is ample testimony to their determination, spirit and fighting skills," he said.

He told the soldiers that it's their fortune to serve their country and discharge their responsibility towards their motherland.

He saluted the fallen heroes who have made the supreme sacrifice for their motherland and the officers and men who have been maimed or injured in the war and their families who have contributed a lot by making a lot of sacrifices.

They were awarded the Rana Soora Padakkama (RSP).

The recipients of yesterday's awards were Capt D. C. M. Disanayake, Capt. Saman Meegastenne and Lt. Kapila Jayantha Adihetty. Corp H. M. Navaratne was awarded the Rana Soora Padakkama posthumously, for having fought bravely when Tiger cadres were attacking the troops and were staging a tactical withdrawal in Manmunai in the year 2000.

Courtesy - The Island