I will be a challenge to terrorist activity, says new Army Chief

by Ranil Wijayapala

Lt. General Sarath Fonseka who took over the command of the Sri Lanka Army as the 18th commander said yesterday that he hopes to be a challenge for any type of terrorist activity.

However, he added that he will be committed to achieve honourable peace in the country following the guidelines and policies laid down by President Mahinda Rajapakse.

Addressing the media soon after assuming office, Lt. General Fonseka said that the LTTE will take his appointment as a challenge owing to the experience they had earlier with him. Known for his hardline stance on the issue of High Security Zones in the North, Lt. General Fonseka reiterated that his stance on the High Security Zone will remain unchanged.

"My stance on the High Security Zone will remain unchanged and I endorse the views of the President that people should be compensated for their lost lands," he added.

However he said the question of HSZs in the North is not so simple as the LTTE has forcibly taken power of attorney of most lands in the HSZs as land owners now living abroad.

General Fonseka stressed the need to have structural changes and new technology as the Army still uses weapon systems that were purchased 20 years ago.

"Though structural changes needed immediately in the Army we are confident that we still can face the LTTE without any problem," Fonseka added.

He said the LTTE has increased firepower during the Ceasefire Agreement. "The LTTE was licking their wounds at the time of the Ceasefire Agreement was signed and they have become stronger during that period."

He said there may be 3,000 to 4,000 hardcore LTTEers in the Wanni and the LTTE has become weak in the East with the emergence of the Karuna faction.