Security Forces, Police to assist development

Ranil WIJAYAPALA

Under the guidance of the Defence Secretary the Security Forces and the Police will contribute towards the development initiatives outlined by the Government and to expedite the process of de-mining activities in the North, said Chief of Defence Staff General Sarath Fonseka said yesterday, addressing a press conference at the Joint Operations Headquarters after assuming duties at his new post.

“Every soldier capable of de-mining will be deployed to expedite the process along with other agencies working towards this,” General Fonseka added.

He also added that India has agreed to send 500 Indian soldiers for this purpose.

“We are hoping to complete the process very soon though I cannot give deadlines for this as the Army is capable of handling this process faster than other agencies,” he added. He also said that a special security strategy has been drawn up to defend the country and that it includes combating the under world too, If we could destroy Prabhakaran in two years the under world could be destroyed much earlier, he said.

General Fonseka also said that it was not necessary to import US $ 200 million worth ammunition ordered earlier due to the ending of the war. He said the office of the Chief of Defence Staff will be part of the Defence Ministry and will be established in the second floor of the Defence Ministry soon.