No space for terrorism again - Defence Secretary
July 12, 2020
- Says the Government would not allow to spread extremist religious ideologies
Those who propagate separatism were trying to revamp terrorism but the Government would not leave space for anyone to take national security into risk, Defence Secretary Maj.Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said.
He said terrorism that plagued the country for over three-decades was ended 13-years ago and yet some interested forces with separatist ideology was fuelling terrorism but it would not be possible under this government.
“This country and our people suffered immensely under terrorism and extremism but under the leadership of President Gotabaya Rakapaksa , the Government has taken all precautionary measures to counter such ideologies,” he said yesterday (July 11) at a ceremony held to pay tribute to brave army soldiers who died at the Kokavil battle.
The 30th War Hero commemoration themed ‘1990-Kokavil’ was held in Colombo to pay tribute to Capt. Saliya Aladeniya and his team of 60 soldiers who fought till their last breath to protect the Kokavil camp and the television tower on July 11, 1990.
Capt. Aladeniya, is the first recipient of the prestigious Parama Weera Vibushanaya medal awarded for his supreme sacrifice made along with his men, including four civil staffers, without abandoning the camp and surrendering to the terrorists.
The Defence Secretary reiterated that the Government would not allow to spread extremist religious ideologies that would hinder the peace and stability of the country.
Maj.Gen. Gunaratne said the government was fully committed to ensure national security, which would not only look into threats like terrorism, extremism and external threats but also safeguarding people from natural calamities and health hazards.
Defence Secretary explaining the efforts taken by the Government to eradicate organised crimes and drug mafia, said they are committed to creating a secured nation for all Sri Lankans to live in a fear-free country.
Maj.Gen.Gunaratne paying tribute to all soldiers sacrificed their lives and limbs to end terrorism said over 5,900 soldiers laid their lives only in the final battle that lasted for three-year.
“You are enjoying peace, today, because of the sacrifices done by over 28,000 fallen soldiers and nearly 60,000 of those wounded from the Tri-Forces, Police and Civil Security Department,” he said.
Defence Secretary emphasised the need for having war literature, which is lacking in Sri Lanka like in the Pakistan and India.
“War literature has to be done after proper research including successes and setbacks by the military. They need to be written for future generation to know about the heroic acts done by our brave soldiers to save the country,” he said mentioning about books and songs written by him to make people remember the sacrifices done by the soldiers.
“I am proud to meet a mother of a war hero”, Maj.Gen. Gunaratne told Indrani Aladeniya and also making a tribute to all mothers of other 60 soldiers who fought with Capt. Aladeniya till their last breath at the Kokavil battle.
Former Army Commander Lt.Gen. Daya Ratnayake and Aarya Foundation Chairman Charith Kiriella also spoke at the ceremony.
