No politics behind STF withdrawal - Defence Spokesman

Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella denied allegations by certain political parties on political involvement in withdrawal of STF from the Ampara district. "There were no political interference in the removal of the STF and only 25 per cent of the STF were withdrawn from Ampara district to place them in critical areas and in the Northern front," he told the weekly security situation briefing yesterday.

He emphasised that the STF were serving nearly 22 years in the Ampara district to obstruct continuing LTTE infiltration in the East and to liberate it from the LTTE grip.

"Aspirations of the Government was to liberate the East and implement the APRC proposals on the 13th Amendment. The Security Forces gained victory in the East and normality was brought to the East. Political and economic freedom are on process.

The LG election was held in the Batticaloa district and PC elections to be held in the entire Eastern Province. We have given opportunity to the Eastern people to exercise their franchise, views and rights by selecting representatives from their community. Thus, terrorism was shattered in the East and the democracy in effect. Infiltration of the LTTE were weakened and the role of the STF was minimised," the Minister said.

He also said if the Government removed STF from Ampara on the request of Pillaiyan, it should have been done prior to the elections in the Batticaloa district but not after the elections. Most of the STF camps are located in the Ampara district and Pillaiyan group are operating in the Batticaloa district but not in the Ampara district.

Rambukwella pointed out that the transfer of three police officers out of Trincomalee was carried out on the directions of IGP Victor Perera on disciplinary grounds. "Following complaints lodged by public against three police officers in Trincomalee, the Police Department had to transfer them to effect inquires in respect of the complaints.

According to inquiry procedures police officers involved should be transferred to another station before the inquiry could commence. The IGP is obliged to follow the procedure," he added.