Intelligence beefed-up to safeguard peace-Defence Secretary

YASARATNE GAMAGE and Bandula Seneviratne Vavuniya North Corr

Military Intelligence Corps was increased from one battalion to six to sustain surveillance throughout, as a few LTTE combatants who had fled the country to escape capture in Sri Lanka during the humanitarian operation, have teamed up with the LTTE Diaspora to destabilize the country and resurrect the ruthless organization, Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said in Kilinochchi on Friday.

He was addressing Commanders and other army personnel in the North, after opening the newly constructed Security Forces Headquarters Complex at Kilinochchi (SFHQ-KLN) which comprises an air-conditioned conference hall, a separate auditorium, administrative premises, a computer and signal room and mess hall. The Defence Secretary further noted that military bases were established and facilitated in tactically important areas to safeguard the hard earned peace and preserve it for the betterment of the future generations.

'We can never let it happen again, after sacrificing thousands of lives. It is our duty to assure civil society a peaceful environment to engage in their daily livelihoods. But, some element's aim to underestimate the victory and retard the development of the country. As brave soldiers we are aware of such moves and are fully equipped to overcome any challenge,' the Defence Secretary said.

He also stressed that the Army had to make do with this building for their administrative purposes, but with the construction of the new premises, they will be able to perform their duties in a better manner.

The premises was built at a cost of Rs 40.6 million with Army labour.

Army Commander Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Kilinochchi Commander Major General Nandana Udawaththa, Jaffna Commander Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe, Vanni Commander Major General Sumeda Perera, Mullaitivu Commander Major General L B Mark, Army Chief of Staff Major General Daya Rathnayaka and more than a thousand other rankers attended the ceremony.

Nestled on the banks of the famous Iranamadu reservoir, the new Headquarter premises comprises a ground for physical training, and a sports complex.

Labour for the entire construction and landscape design expertise were provided by troops of the 11 and 15 Engineer Service Regiments.