Intelligence services play a major role in controlling terrorism and extremism - Defence Secretary
December 12, 2019
- Says necessary measures will be taken to ensure welfare of service personnel, disable soldiers and their families, including their parents and children.
While the LTTE is attempting to re-emerge and an extremist group of misled youth, who has misinterpreted their religion, are trying to destabilize peaceful situation in the country, the intelligence agencies have a vital role to play to keep a tab on those disturbing elements to protect the country, Defence Secretary Maj. Gen (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said.
He said a group of Muslim extremists had created havoc in the country inflicting fear and suspicion among the communities while destroying country’s economy.
Addressing troops at the Security Forces Headquarters Jaffna (SFHQ-J) during his maiden visit to Jaffna Peninsular , today, he said a fully pledged investigation was needed to probe into the Easter Sunday attacks to find those who were responsible for the deadly attacks.
"This is a Buddhist country and people have freedom to practice their own religions and it is our duty to create a conducive environment where all ethnic groups can live respectfully", Maj. Gen. Gunaratne said.
He said Tri-Forces, the Police and the Civil Defence Forces personnel had sacrificed their lives to bring peace to the country after a three-decade long war against terrorism and also rehabilitated and reintegrated over 12,000 ex- LTTEers.
“We have taken all measures to look into the welfare of the Tri-Forces and the Police personnel . We give them training to face any threat or challenge in future. The government will look after those soldiers who had been wounded badly and became disabled, well. We will also ensure that their families, especially their parents and children, will be given support to uplift their living standards, he said adding that the war heroes should also maintain their dignity.
Maj. Gen. Gunaratne said following the vision of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa the war heroes would be looked after well to create an environment where people respect the soldiers who sacrificed their lives and limbs to safeguard the country’s unity to restore peace.
The Defence Secretary making his maiden visit to the Northern Peninsula since assuming office arrived at the Palaly Airport this morning where he was received by the Chief of Defence Staff and Tri-Forces Commanders.
After making floral tributes at the War Hero Monument, Maj.Gen. Gunaratne arrived at the Security Forces Headquarters- Jaffna and was accorded a Guard Turnout and a Guard of Honour by the Army troops.
After the military formalities the Secretary planted a tree to mark his visit and proceeded to the Sri Lanka Air Force base in Palaly where he addressed a large gathering of over 3,000 soldiers and officers of the Tri- Forces and the Police.
During the visit the Defence Secretary also attended a security briefing at the at the SFHQ-J and also visited the Northern Naval Command of the Sri Lanka Navy in Kankesanthurai before returning to Colombo.
