We have taken steps to ensure the country’s security – President
November 19, 2020- Collapsed Intelligence services in the past were restructured and revitalized
His Excellency the President Gotabaya Rajapaksa during his address to the nation last evening (18) said the main appeal made by the people to him was to, “Protect the Country” and therefore during this short period of time he has taken steps to ensure the security of the country as requested by the people.
“The public should not have apprehensions on this issue any longer”, the President said.
He expressed these remarks while addressing the nation to coincide the anniversary in office since the taking of oaths as the seventh Executive President of Sri Lanka.
Stating that an administration that protects the rights of all citizens regardless of racial or religious differences will be established during his tenure, the President recalled “I have always acted in accordance with the pledge I made in front of Ruwalweli Maha Seya to protect the unity of the country and to safeguard and nurture the Buddha Sasana as per the Constitution, the supreme law of this country”.
Recalling the past activities of religious extremism, underworld and drug trafficking, he said, the country was becoming insecure due to the weakening of the intelligence and security forces and historic sacred sites of archaeological value were also being encroached by extremists and said “after I came into power, I appointed suitable officials in charge of security apparatus of the country and gave them the required authority to carry out their responsibilities without any compromise.
He said “the intelligence services that had collapsed in the past were restructured and revitalized” adding that we have managed to control the possibility of a resurgence of extremism in any form.
The President also said “a very effective and robust programme has been implemented to control the drug menace” indicating that, there is no room for anymore to engage in drug trafficking or operate the underworld from prison cells as in the past.
“People of this country no longer have reasons to live in fear of underworld gangs, extortionists and racketeers”, the President said while assuring that, we will strive to further strengthen this initiative in the future.
President Rajapaksa also stated on the setting up of a special Task Force to protect sites of archaeological value and to preserve our Buddhist and national heritage.
The era of betraying war heroes, selling national assets, willingness to accept any deal for short-term gains, allowing foreign forces to interfere in the internal affairs of the country has now come to an end, he added.
He said, “I am a person who constantly faced challenges and overcame them. I am not a person scared of empty threats”. “I don’t have the habit of simply running away from problems”. “Instead, I resolve those issues”.
As I have pledged, my determination is to build a prosperous nation. I will not hesitate to take whatever action is necessary according to my conscience to achieve this target.
In his final remarks while stating “I love my country and I am proud of my country”, the President said I have a vision for my country. This is the Motherland of all of us. Hence, the time has come for all of us to join hands as productive citizens with the team spirit and fulfilling responsibilities in a disciplined manner in building the prosperous nation we promised to our people, he said.