Sri Lanka’s Defense Secretary rejects calls for reducing the Security Forces

Sri Lanka’s Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said that a number of measures have been taken in international arena to prevent the LTTE raising its head again. He has disclosed that legal actions have already been taken against some pro-LTTE groups in foreign countries.

Participating in a Private TV discussion programme the Defense Secretary pointed out that it is the responsibility of all Sri Lankans to leave no room for terrorism to re-emerge. He further said defence strategies in the country have not changed despite defeat of terrorism and the death of Prabhakaran.

He emphasized that the Government is not ready to reduce the strength of the security forces, although some people demand to do so, in order to pave the way for terrorism and disorder to revive in the country.

Mr. Rajapaksa said that the strength and skills of the security forces will be productively utilized for the development of the country. He said that following the war victory many investors are now coming to Sri Lanka, and Colombo city is being maintained as a clean and a beautiful location to attract more tourists.

Referring to the shanties that dot many parts of the Colombo city presently, the Defense Secretary said that about 35,000 houses with all amenities will be constructed during the next few years to replace shanties in the city and house the shanty dwellers.

On the subject of crimes, the Mr. Rajapaksa said that constant programmes are underway to bring down organized crimes, and proper execution of police and the judicial system will enormously contribute to the development of a country. The Defence Secretary therefore stressed the need to elect local government representatives loyal to the government in order to carry forward these moves successfully, without any hindrance.

- Asian Tribune -