In future members of the Sri Lanka Army will not be allowed to keep their weapons with them when off duty. Instructions to this effect have been issued to the relevant authorities, said Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya yesterday. Addressing troops in Mullaitivu, the army chief said that this was because, “it is no longer necessary in Colombo or elsewhere.” “Peace prevails everywhere now, and it does not matter whether you are in Colombo or the North or East,” the Commander added.

Commenting on the recent unfortunate incident at Chavakachcheri -- in which three soldiers were killed, the Commander said, “You must be very cautious when you interact with civilians, because one minor incident could have a negative impact on the whole organisation. You must always work to win the hearts and minds of the ordinary folk with whom you come into contact for professional or communityoriented work.”

Source: Daily Mirror - Sri Lanka