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)

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Opposition Parliamentarians convened yesterday to discuss the decline in national security in Sri Lanka at present, which they said has resulted in hampering their public services.

A special discussion, chaired by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa, was held in Parliament with the participation of several opposition party leaders.

During the meeting, the opposition party leaders acknowledged the risks to public life and risks in performing their public services in freedom, due to the current decline in national security.

As such, it was decided at the discussion to inform Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne to summon the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP) and the Director General of the Ministerial Security Division for a discussion on the matter. 

The group met Speaker Jagath Wickramaratne in Parliament yesterday and informed him of their decisions and proposals. 

Speaking in Parliament yesterday, Opposition MP Dayasiri Jayasekara highlighted the risks faced by opposition MPs due to making statements against the government. 

He further requested the government to reinstate the Police Security provided to Parliamentarians, which was withdrawn under the Anura Kumara Dissanayake Government. (Newswire)

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A discussion on Sri Lanka’s current security situation was held today (25 Feb) at the Presidential Secretariat, under the leadership of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. 

According to the President’s Office, the meeting, attended by senior officials of the Sri Lanka Army, focused on future measures regarding the security situation in Sri Lanka. 

Among those present were Deputy Minister of Defence, Aruna Jayasekara, Secretary to the President Dr. Nandika Sanath Kumanayake, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha and Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo along with several senior officials of the Sri Lanka Army. (Newswire)

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Sri Lanka’s National Security Advisor Sagala Ratnayake has engaged in a telephone conversation with his US counterpart Jake Sullivan. 

According to a White House statement, the two officials engaged in conversation via a telephone call on Wednesday (Apr 03).

Their discussion covered areas of bilateral engagement including U.S. support for Sri Lanka’s security and sovereignty, Sri Lanka’s ongoing efforts to complete the fiscal, monetary, and governance elements of its IMF program, and future opportunities for cooperation. 

National Security Advisor Sullivan has also expressed his interest in maintaining an ongoing engagement with Sri Lanka to collaboratively pursue peace and security in the region. (Newswire)

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