How the SLCSF contributes to development

Ishara JAYAWARDANE

Right throughout history we have seen how a well trained army along with the military genius of its commanders have won wars and created empires. The Roman Empire expanded because of the efficiency of its legions and the brilliance of its Generals. The well known French General Napoleon Bonaparte achieved great success due to his Grande Armée. The Sri Lankan Civil Security Force rendered an invaluable service to the country as an auxiliary force serving alongside the Three Forces and the Special Task Force. An outfit specially trained to protect the villages from the terrorist threat, they were the pride of the military and the country. They served with honour and dedication. Their commitment to their motherland and the villages they were assigned to protect was foremost on their minds. They did not falter in their duty.

However with the end of the war, the primary duty of the Civil Security Force which was protecting the villages was no longer necessary. “The men were specially trained to face the hardships of war and the dangers of combat. Therefore this surplus of seasoned veterans trained for battle, have been used to contribute to economic development,” said Colonel W. M. Badrakumara, Commanding Officer of Morawewa Gomarankaduwala.

Agricultural projects

Under the nine regions assigned to him, the Colonel said that nine agricultural projects have been initiated including vegetable and paddy cultivation in addition to animal husbandry. The production of bricks has been estimated at five and a half lakhs and they are being sold at eight rupees per brick. The Forces have also been involved in pre-school education conducted in 15 schools where currently 584 students have been enrolled and 32 teachers are conducting classes.

“The war is over and peace has dawned. The Civil Security Force was used to protect border villages, now that labour force has been used for the development of the country and its food production. In Maha Oya, 1,200 acres have been cultivated and we are expecting a profit of 300 million. Plus the men are also involved in the construction of houses. The Army, Police and Special Task Force are there for the protection of the country; agriculture is something that the men of the Civil Security Force were used to,” said Major Kamal Jayaweera, Commanding Officer of Mahaoya Ampara.

Alternative means

Chief Inspector K.D. Chandrapala, Commanding Officer of Polonnaruwa Force Headquarters, has 70 farms under his supervision. In addition to cultivation of crops and animal husbandry, his unit is involved in fishing as well. There are 2,450 officers involved here. “The officers of the Civil Security Force are doing an admirable job. During the war this region came under a severe LTTE threat.”

Chief Inspector Chandrapala also explained that some plots of land are difficult to cultivate and that they are doing it amid great difficulty due to wild elephants and the lack of proper water supply.

“After the war was over, Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa understood our concerns that we would lose our jobs and he provided us alternative means. Among us there are talented sportsmen and sportswomen. We have recognized them and we trained and gave them expertise. Now they are involved in schools and sports societies. We have also conducted anti-malaria programmes, anti-rabies programmes along with the Health Ministry.”

Captain D. M. A.G. Dissanayake, Colombo Area Special Project Officer In Charge outlined several projects carried out by the Civil Security Force, such as, the cleaning of the drainage system, construction of the Race Course, cleaning of the Beira Wewa and the cleaning of Torrington Independence Square.

Economic targets

“This department was established by the President way back in 2006 in order to protect the border villages. They manned the supply routes, the forward defense line and guarded major economic targets plus important religious places.

“In addition they helped the education of the areas by manning 300 plus primary schools. We also gave protection to the farmers to do their farming activities. When there was no necessity for the Civil Security Force, the Defense Secretary promptly acted.

“He asked us to start medium and small scale farms. At the moment there are over 500 small scale and medium farms and about five or six large scale farms. We have also started manufacturing bricks and at the moment we have 120 such places all over Sri Lanka.

“We are given various tasks at different times. Mahamevuna Uyana in Anuradhapura was not cleared for generations. It was a jungle. Now it is cleared and maintained by 200 cadres. For Colombo beautification, we have another 300 cadres. For the dengue epidemic there was an islandwide cleaning up. Now we have our own independent uniform.

“Also no other department in Sri Lanka gives free exercise books to all their children. Our strength is nearly 40,000 and we have about 27,500 school going children. For the second successive time we are giving exercise books worth RS. 90 lakhs. We have our own health fund where we donate Rs.10 lakhs (1 million rupees) in case of a death to one of our members,” said Rear Admiral Ananda Peiris, Director General, Department of Civil Security.