Intelligence units will be given power and ‘legal protection’ – Gotabaya
SLPP presidential candidate Gotabaya Rajapaksa says that the former government used the TID and the CID of the Police to find terrorists, but the incumbent government is using those agencies to ‘chase after political opponents’.
Speaking during a rally in Chilaw, the former Defence Secretary claimed that the government even attempted to arrest and imprison him under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA).
“How can you get the person who ended terrorism under the Prevention of Terrorism Act?” he questioned.
Rajapaksa stated that if investigation into the murder of police officers in Batticaloa had been carried out properly, the Easter Sunday attacks could have been prevented. “Those are the things that the commission should have looked into,” he said.
He said that they had set up a special unit to probe extremist elements with specially trained officers, however those officers had been removed and transferred to different positions overseas by the current government.
Rajapaksa said that if elected they will once again strengthen the intelligence service in the country, give intelligence officers the required powers and “complete legal protection” to act for the country and ensure its safety.
(Source: Ada Derana)
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- Defence Secretary inspects disaster relief operations in Jaffna November 28, 2024
- Sri Lanka President holds virtual meeting with World Bank Chief on development priorities November 28, 2024
- Moody’s may upgrade Sri Lanka’s credit rating after bond exchange offer November 28, 2024
- Sri Lanka postpones 2024 G.C.E. A/L examination due to adverse weather November 28, 2024
- Severe flooding impacts over 276,000 in Sri Lanka November 28, 2024
Unfortunately, as we all know, the present government has spent more time pandering to the wishes of some politicians to the detriment of the entire country!
Not only murder of policemen in Batticaloa, but also destruction of Buddhist statues should have been investigated thoroughly.
Apparently, Minister Azath Salley intervened in the arrest of the culprits who destroyed the statues, and later they were involved in the Easter bombings.
Clearly, politicians should not be aiding and abetting criminal and terrorist activities or intervening in investigations and arrests.
The intelligence services should be allowed to carry out their work independently of political parties, without getting dragged into petty fighting within party politics.
Intelligence officers also need anonymity, for their own protection, and invariably protection of our country.
It is hoped that the media respect this, and do not publish their names. Also, covert operations are dependent upon this. We need to collectively protect our national security and sovereignty; otherwise we are finished!
ChanakaJ,
From around the 70’s, the Police Force has been corrupt. They do not have any technical or investigative capability. The name of the game in the Police Force is ‘climbing the ladder’ to increase corrupt earnings and privileges.
As revealed in the multiple investigations related to Easter Sunday Incident, the comms in the Police Force, Intelligence and CID appear to be antiquated. They rely on writing letters for all matters and I am sure these letters are either hand delivered or sent thru snail mail.
What’s lacking is an ultra-secure digital comms network covering all security agencies, capable of transmitting instructions and more importantly, receiving feedback.
Where is he going to find intelligent people to staff this intelligent units, From Universities of Sri Lanka? Joke.
Reply to Ranjith,
There are significant numbers of Sri Lankans who study abroad; either by scholarship or self-funding.
Contrary to popular belief, many return, however disillusioned with the state of the country and its leaders.
Gothabhaya Rajapaksa has been building professional intelligent forces to assist in building the Nation through ‘Viyath Maga’ for a few years now.
The GMOA is firmly backing Mr GR.
The family of the Lion of Ruhuna, late DA Rajapaksa are committed to build:
1. A Strong Nation
2. A committed Nation
3. A Secure Nation
4. A learned Nation
5. A peaceful Nation
6. A law abiding Nation
7. A prosperous Nation
8. A digital Nation.
In Mr GR, I find capability similar to Singapore’s Wonder Leader, late Lee Kuan Yew.
The jokers and comedians in Yahapalana should be banished to Andaman Islands.
it takes a ……….. to catch a ………….
SarangaDA Of course
Of Cource there are significant numbers of Sri Lankans who study abroad; One Mr Alwis came to do a master degree in Software and he met his death by delivering pizza. One said to me he is coming to READ mathematics in a famous University in UK. Now he is working for gas board going house to house READING gas meters and electric meters. Not to mention the road sweepers and toilet cleaners in middle east.