Archives

Forget politics as long as you are in the STF unit -Special Advisor to Defence Ministry

by Sarath Malalasekera and Divakara Mohotti, Kalutara group correspondent

The Special Task Force (STF) was set up by eminent personalities including former Senior DIG Zerny Wijesuriya, who is present here today at the ceremony. Therefore, I appeal to the new recruits to maintain the highest traditions of the STF in the future without falling into the laps of politicians, said Special Advisor to the Defence Ministry Ravi Jayewardene at the passing-out parade of 204 recruits of the 46th intake at the STF Training Camp at Katukurunda on Friday.

Jayewardene who was the chief guest at the ceremony said that the new recruits should continue the same traditions which prevailed in the STF unit. It is very unfortunate to say that the present standard of the unit has tragically dropped. This is mainly because of political interference. If any person in this unit wants to abide by the politicians, please leave the uniform and join the politician. Forget politics as long as you are in the STF unit Jayewardene emphasised.

Addressing the new recruits and the other members of the STF unit Jayewardene said that they should obtain orders only from the Commander and their superior officers and not at any stage from any politicians.

The only consolation is that the present STF Commander DIG Nimal Gunatilleke is making a tremendous effort to maintain the high standard of the STF unit. 'I personally appeal to the new recruits and the other members of all ranks in the STF unit to extend their fullest co-operation to Commander Gunatilleke to upkeep the noble service.

The STF was established to protect the law and order in the country forever, he added.

At the commencement of the ceremony two minutes silence was observed by all the participants in memory of the fallen heroes.

The 204 recruits took their oaths of allegiance before Ravi Jayewardene and Commander DIG Nimal Gunatilleke to serve the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and preserve its unity and territorial integrity.

In a highly successful and colourful ceremony 204 recruits removed their old caps and wore the new green beret to confirm that they are now actively with the STF.Later Ravi Jayewardene's took the salute of the highly trained STF Commandant Unit before inspecting the parade with Commandant STF, DIG Nimal Gunatilleke and Director STF Training Camp Superintendent Mohammed Rishard. ASP G.K. Perera conducted the parade.

Ravi Jayewarden's presence was a significant moment for the recruits.

The chief guest wished the 204 recruits and their parents the very best and also thanked the other participants.

Representatives of the Three Armed Forces and DPL Services participated in the ceremony. Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Austrailia Janaka Perera, Senior DIGs, DIGs and former Senior Officers of the STF also participated.

The Best allrounder recruits award was won by Chaminda Pushpakumar Subasinghe of Wellawaya who joined the STF in January 2002. The Best marksman was Indika Pushpakumara Wijetunga. The most outstanding performance award was won by Bandula Seneviratne, they received their awards from Chief Guest Ravi Jayewardene.

The Army band led by Captain Athula Gunawardena was in attendance.

Two new recruits gave a special performance with 2.2 Air rifles creating the words "STF welcomes 46th intake".

STF Tycondo team led by Inspector Kamal Fernando displayed their skills. STF Tycondo team is considered the best Asian team in the field of Tycondo Martial arts.

One of the best and thrilling features of the event was the mock rescue of a leading businessman who was kidnapped by the terrorists.

It was a special experience for me to watch the rescue mission by the highly trained STF recruits. Some of the parents watching the rescue mission looked emotional.

Another thrilling special event was Special Police Constable Nisanth Wickremasinghe Senadhiratne passing through a fire circle and leaping over four cars and two motor cycles on a motor cycle.

The announcers were former Woman Police Officer Vajira Kumarai Ratnayake in Sinhala and Laddie Hettiarachchi in English.

The vote of thanks was delivered by Director STF Camp SP Mohammed Rishard.

After the main ceremony the parents and the other invitees were entertained to a tea party hosted by the STF Commandant DIG Nimal Gunatilleke.

News | Business | Features | Editorial | Security
Politics | World | Letters | Sports | Obituaries |

Produced by Lake House
Copyright 2001 The Associated Newspapers of Ceylon Ltd.
Comments and suggestions to :Web Manager