Passing-out parade at Sri Lankan Academy: Our armies seek peace in region and beyond: CoAS

"Armed Forces draw their inspiration from respective national ethos and sentiments. Sri Lanka and Pakistan are both peace loving countries and regardless of internal and external challenges, our armed forces persistently seek peace within the region and beyond. We earnestly desire regional stability based on balance of power that promotes respect for each other's sovereignty and discourages any form of quest for dominance and hegemony."
Chief of Army Staff (CoAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani stated this at a passing out parade at Sri Lankan Military Academy, Sri Lanka. He was invited by General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander of Sri Lankan Army, to visit Sri Lanka and review the passing out parade at this prestigious Military Academy.
According to ISPR, in his speech, CoAS said "desire for peace is our greatest strength, which places us at a high moral ground and affords us the poise and confidence to exercise restraint, even once incited or provoked." General Kayani said "this day marks the culmination of basic military training of the future military leadership of Sri Lanka from one of the finest military institutions of the world. At this auspicious occasion, I extend sincere felicitations and greetings to all passing out Officer Cadets."
Officer Cadets who have received awards of distinction for their outstanding performance merit special appreciation and congratulations. He said he would also like to compliment the faculty and instructional staff for effectively equipping the upcoming generation of military leaders with requisite professional skills and leadership attributes needed to join the ranks of a highly professional Army, held in highest esteem all over the world.
"The impressive military bearing, immaculate turnout and outstanding standard of drill, displayed here today, not only bear testament to the quality of training imparted in this institution but also indicate the urge to pursue excellence, which is the hallmark of Sri Lankan nation and its valiant armed forces. The determination and resolve that is evident on the young faces today reflects conviction as well as eagerness to venture into a challenging career that demands devotion and commitment towards the supreme cause of national security."
Sri Lankan Army has proved its mettle under the most trying circumstances and has emerged victorious not only in the context of purging the menace of militancy and violence but also in pursuit of post conflict peace and stability. During this entire period ie approximately three decades of conflict and the ensuing rebuilding phase, Pakistan always stood by and wholeheartedly supported your great nation and its armed forces, both in moral as well as material realm. Pakistan has proved to be a true friend of Sri Lanka in your hour of need. "I believe this provides a very strong foundation for a sincere friendship and genuine goodwill that exists between our two nations and armed forces," he said.
In particular, the Armies of Sri Lanka and Pakistan have enjoyed the highest degree of mutual trust and co-operation and have proved as committed partners in the face of challenges; for the larger cause of preserving peace in our respective countries and the region at large, he said. He said he was certain that the promising young men and women joining the proud ranks of Sri Lankan Army would follow the rich traditions.-PR