The Secretary of Defence, Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Sampath Thuyacontha, says that currently there is no threat to national security.
He made the remark while attending the official ceremony held to mark China’s assistance provided to Sri Lanka’s Disaster Management Centre (DMC).
Sampath Thuyacontha further stated that underworld activities are not directly connected to national security, and that they are being managed by the Ministry of Public Security.
“There is no issue with national security. You were able to come here today without any problem. The underworld isn’t something directly linked to national security. It’s handled by the Ministry of Public Security. We provide the required support for police and national security, but only within defined limits. There is no threat to national security,” he said.
The Defence Secretary further pointed out that at present, the underworld has been unsettled because it has lost political backing.
“That’s why it’s shaken. It should be unsettled. Those involved in underworld activities are being apprehended. The Ministry of Public Security is implementing a plan. We provide support within the legal framework and boundaries,” he added.
When asked if shootings were occurring frequently, because the underworld has lost its political protection, Sampath Thuyacontha acknowledged that that was one reason.
“There’s unrest within the underworld. That has created disruption for them, which is why shootings are happening. That’s how it is,” he added. (Newswire)