Officers' lives compromised by UNP statements - Chief Government Whip

LTTE the beneficiary

Uditha Kumarasinghe and Irangika Range

KOTTE: Chief Government Whip Minister Jeyaraj Fernandopulle yesterday told Parliament that the UNP was attempting to divulge the identities of top security officials through Parliament thereby endangering their lives whilst dealing a blow to the morale of the soldiers fighting in the North-East.

As the fist step of this UNP move, UNP Parliamentarian Lakshman Seneviratne during his speech on Wednesday's Emergency debate made a serious allegation against Colombo DIG Rohan Abeygunawardane.

The statement made by the UNP MP has become a serious threat to the life of Colombo DIG and his family. This statement has also had a serious impact in bringing down the morale of the Security Forces and Police who conduct their security operations in Colombo and the suburbs. By these statements they have been made prime LTTE targets, Fernandopulle said.

He requested the Speaker to expunge the remarks made by the MP from the Hansard and take necessary action to ensure the security of Colombo DIG and other security officials.

"Through making such statements in Parliament, the UNP intends to kill our High security officials making them key LTTE targets."

"Nearly 50 intelligence officials were killed by the LTTE in broad day light and even in their houses following the millennium city exposure during the time of the former UNP Government," he said.

The Minister said a large number of intelligence officers who were exposed during the millennium city incident have left the country due to LTTE threats.

"Therefore disclosing the name of the Colombo DIG in Parliament has posed a serious threat to his life and also the security within the Colombo city.

This kind of invidious and false statements has a deflating effect on the Security Forces," he said.

The Minister said "at present our Security Forces have made huge sacrifices and risked their lives to safeguard the sovereignty and the territorial integrity of the country.

Making such false statements will have an adverse impact on the Security Forces directly affecting their morale. Every single statement made by the UNP is to the advantage of the LTTE.

Speaker W. J. M. Lokubandara said in a situation where public security is under grave threat, they should all act in a responsible manner. The Speaker said Parliamentarians should exercise caution when making statements about various officers who are not present in the House to answer charges. "I will take a decision whether this statement is to be expunged from the Hansard or not.

After, looking into this matter, I will take a decision regarding this. Nobody can force me to do it." The Speaker observed that Chief Opposition Whip Joseph Michael Perera was attempting undermine the Chair. "I cannot permit this. Whenever a statement is made from the Chair, the Chief Opposition Whip always interrupts it.

The Speaker cautioned the Chief Opposition Whip not to devalue Parliament.