Certain anti-social and anti SL parties working to tarnish hard-earned peace - Defence Secretary
December 11, 2021-
Intelligence sharing between friendly nations is a crucial factor
After over a decade, since completely evicting the menace of terrorism from Sri Lanka, certain anti-social and anti-Sri Lankan parties are in the process of tarnishing the hard-earned peace and creating a feeling of mistrust and division among the ethnic groups, said Defence Secretary Gen. Kamal Gunaratne yesterday (Dec 10).
“Therefore, it is our utmost responsibility to carry out an in-depth analysis on the potential threats and, initiate counter-actions against detrimental consequences well in advance in order to prevent catastrophes emanating against the National Security of Sri Lanka”, he noted.
Citing politico religious radicalisation which is active in spreading religious extremism and the recent outbreak of violence, the Defence Secretary said “sharing of intelligence between the intelligence organisations of friendly nations working in harmony becomes a crucial factor in combatting such calamities”.
The constant and continuous assessment and analysis of the geopolitical environment is essential to evaluate the potential threats that could evolve in the contemporary environment, he stressed.
The Defence Secretary expressed these views while addressing the distinguished audience as the Chief Guest at the Graduation Ceremony of Course Number 15 of Defence Services Command and Staff College (DSCSC) at the Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre, Colombo yesterday.
The ceremony commenced after observing a moment of silence as a tribute to the fallen War Heroes and lighting the oil lamp in keeping with long-held traditions.
Successful graduates received their parchments from the Chief Guest and special awards were also presented. The annual journal of the DSCSC, ‘The Owlet', was distributed among the guests, during the event.
Accordingly, 145 young officers of Sri Lankan tri-forces and 18 officers of 10 friendly foreign nations from Bangladesh, India, Indonesia, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Senegal and the USA were conferred the graduation.
The Chief Guest, Gen. Gunaratne, awarded the ‘Golden Pen’ to Wing Commander HKYU Somawansa for presenting the best ‘Commandant’s Research Paper’.
Continuing his address on the necessity of sound intelligence cooperation between countries, the Chief Guest went on saying “it is my earnest hope that the allied officers who graduate today will carry across the notion of the necessity and importance of intelligence sharing to their respective countries”.
Further elaborating on separatism as we have foreseen as a demand of LTTE with the availability of pro-LTTE elements abroad and its covert supportive local elements, he said they pose a considerable threat; as it had been well clear with the recent developments of United Nations Human Rights allegations.
Mentioning the DSCSC’s accreditation with Kotelawala Defence University (KDU) and conferment of a Masters Degree covering noteworthy areas, he stated “officers following the course will be immensely benefitted to develop a career with a higher academic recognition”.
Gen. Gunaratne, during the address, extended his gratitude to all the former and current Commandants, Chief Instructors and the Directing Staff for their tireless effort.
He being a former Directing Staff member also extended his best wishes to the officers to continue the achievements in future endeavours too.
The Defence Secretary praised the Commandant, Faculty and staff of the DSCSC and the Vice Chancellor and staffers of KDU for their untiring efforts exerted throughout to uphold the glory and values amidst the Coronavirus pandemic.
Navy and Air Force Commanders, KDU Vice Chancellor, Commandant DSCSC, former Commandants of the Army Command and Staff College and DSCSC, Members of the Board of Management, Defence Attachés/Advisors accredited to Sri Lanka and families of foreign students were also present at the ceremony.
