Rs 42 m spent monthly on rent for Army HQ : President Sirisena

President Maithripala Sirisena today (Nov 8) said the government had incurred a monthly rent of Rs 42 million to locate the Army Headquarters in various locations in the past.

He made these remarks after declaring open the new Army Headquarters in Pelwatta.

During his address, the President claimed that the construction of the building worth Rs 53.3 billion which had begun in 2011, had been delayed due to certain issues faced while releasing funds from the Treasury.

The building will see the headquarters of the Navy and Air Force also being located in the same facility.

Sirisena, who is also defence minister, appreciated the efforts of the military towards the country, and had lauded the contribution of the Army Engineers Corps towards constructing the new building.

Recalling this year's Easter Sunday terrorist attacks, he pointed out that the tragedy could have been prevented if not for the mistakes committed by certain individuals.

Meanwhile, the President, whose term in office will end by next Saturday after the presidential election, had thanked the tri-forces and the police for their corporation during his tenure since 2015.

(Pics by Amila Gamage)