Piyal Samarakone

ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-Running a peacetime army is quite different. Discipline has to be emphasized. I am very concerned about it,” Right words from a friendly-disciplinarian.

The vision of the new commander of armed forces quiet clear & flawless, very much within the expected boundaries of well motivated army.

Proving the old saying ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-all well ends wellƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ it seems that correct man at the helm at the correct time. Proper mindset focused on carefully selected areas of welfare and well being of his men and women is the foundation for a disciplined army.

Proper direction for the post war armed forces is undoubtedly very essential, not only to have a disciplined army but to set viable guidelines for a more disciplined society which we never witnessed for decades.

A disciplined soldier who is abide by the law of the land is a priceless asset to any country, especially to a country like Sri Lanka which just emerged from most horrific era of itƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s history. The demand is to shape up the armed forces as a well knit unit and induce more responsibilities in terms of participation for a rapid development in the country is timely appropriate. Present day soldier understands the gravity of being suppressed by known and unknown sectionists more than politicians, as simply they faced the unforgivable misfortunes orchestrated by most of the selfish heads in various quarters depriving countryƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s developments. Therefore, having faith in a well disciplined soldier and his credentials to become a formidable society player is absolutely justifiable.

The leadership provided by the top brass of the forces remarkable, their constant reminders to men with the gun by emphasizing the importance of being a discipline unit cascaded right to the bottom, more often than not. Knowing the post conflict situation in the history of wars all over the world brought more dismal results than good. A soldierƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s willingness to participate in countryƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s development should be appreciated their great contribution towards the victory and their desire to be recognized with, should not go unnoticed at any stage.

Infusion of effective and practical military means to civil society should not be seen as a bad omen, to combat bureaucracy and scores of other malpractices which is common in our society and known hindrance to countryƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s developments over the years too would be curtailed to a greater degree. More importantly the amount of efficiency and transparency which is not so rife in most quarters too would be altered for a betterment of the society. Governance pattern of Singapore and Israel clear examples to this effect and few other countries used their military means very effectively along with civil administration and produced excellent results.ƒÆ’-¡ƒ”š‚ 

In Sri Lanka the entire administrative wagon wheel is too interconnected, most of the institutions deeply connected to one and another, thus disintegration will lead to a sudden paralysis in most of establishments. Unfortunately this deep inter-connection and dependency is a blessing in disguise for most of the institutionsƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢ nay sayers who are very much willing to put the blame on others.

The result oriented personnel and institutions are the need of the hour and election fatigue Sri Lankan society do not worry who run the show as long as its on the correct mode and correct frequency.

A skilled, disciplined soldier who puts country before self is the best alternative to most of time/timely serving politicians & to inefficient bureaucrats, who wasted time & money for too long. If we are to defeat the existing nemesis sooner than later, ƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ…-a disciplined soldierƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ”š‚ is the answer for tomorrowƒÆ’‚¢ƒ¢-¡‚¬ƒ¢-¾‚¢s good governance.