“The priority number one, two and three of the Government is to make sure the IDP’s situation is taken and focused on” stated the Government Defence Spokesman Minister Keheliya Rambukwella at a media briefing held at the Media Centre for National Security premises this morning (30).

The Government has managed to accomplish all the goals that they set out to achieve by eradicating the cancer of terrorism from the country. He held that the Government forces have not only destroyed the military power of the LTTE but also the infrastructure of the LTTE. Over billions of dollars worth equipment that the LTTE smuggled in to wreck havoc in the country were destroyed by the troops. Now the primary focus of the Government is to ensure that the lives of our brothers and sisters of the North are back normal. Speaking further Minister stated that the Government has a massive task ahead in respect of the internally displaced civilians’. There are many aspects that the Government has to consider apart from reinstatement; they must ensure that these civilians are counseled, morality should be rebuilt, children should be provided education, families should be bought together and their livelihoods should be established so that these civilians would not be a burden to the country. He stressed that if these objectives are not fulfilled it will leave an unconsidered corner in the humanitarian mission thereby tarnishing the success of the troops.

There are nearly 300000 people who were displaced during the operation against terror; out of these nearly 68000 are children. The Government is now working to ensure that the educational needs of these children are met. Further more a large amount is spent for the welfare of these people. This is a sensitive problem and needs immediate addressing. He stated that trying to make political mileage out of this is pathetic. Many cynical political opinions point out that the Government now after the end of war should address political issues such as the 13th amendment. However Defence Spokesman stressed that one must first ensure that the people whose lives were disrupted during the 3 decade plague of terrorism in the North are bought back to normal and their livelihoods re-established.

Addressing another general opinion on the issue of demobilizing the forces personnel, Hon Minister stated that the Government has no wish to do so. He went on to say that during the past few decades the LTTE terrorists had an area of around 16000 sq km under their control acquired both by force and through treaties. This entire area has now been freed from the terrorists and therefore the three forces play a vital role in securing and administrating protecting these areas. It is absolutely necessary that the forces are kept in good spirits so as to accomplish this. The Navy plays a huge role in Sri Lanka due to the fact that Sri-Lanka is an Island and the ocean administration and protection is primarily done by the naval troops. He stated that the Government has increased efforts to recruit at least 50000 more personnel each to the forces.

Another issue touched on by the Hon. Minister is the opinions expressed on the expenditure of the war. During the past few years nearly 28%-30% of the GDP of the country was spent on the war. Many external factors and opinions now state that the Government should minimize these costs. However Hon. Minister stated that within the next few years Sri Lanka’s GDP will increase as the eradication of terrorism has opened many avenues. Tourism which was one of the most important sources of income for Sri Lanka was down during the past decade due to terrorism. This problem has now been overcome by the humanitarian mission and it now possible for the Government to increase tourism in the country. Losses in the maritime and agricultural fields can also be overcome within the few years by developing both maritime, fisheries and agricultural industries. These reasons will increase the GDP to around 1500-2000 billion rupees within the next few years and the percentage of the cost of war with reference to this will fall below to around 15-12%. These will be achieved by the country within the next few years.

Joining the media briefing Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara stated that during the humanitarian operation more than 22000 LTTE cadres were killed while around 10000 more were wounded surrendered or arrested. Around 4000 soldiers laid their lives for their motherland while another 20000 were wounded during the raging battles.

He clarified that the Army troops continue their search operations in the North and the East and during the past few weeks. A large amount of weapons, explosive devices and other equipment used by the LTTE were recovered through intelligence received by troops or through confessions of arrested LTTE cadres during these search operations. Meanwhile troops of the Task Force 8 recovered 08 torpedo bombs, 01 torpedo launcher and 01 130mm artillery gun during a search operation in Puthukudyruppu area between 8.00am and 6.00pm yesterday (29). This recovery bought the total number of 130mm artillery guns recovered to 07.

He also stated that two new Security Forces Head quarters were raised in Kilinochchi and Mullaitivue areas. These were established apart from the Wanni Security Forces head quarters. Troops of the 21, 56,61 Divisions, Area HQ Manner will be under SFHQ Wanni while 57 Division, Task Forces 3, 5, 6 and 8 will be under SFHQ Kilinochchi. Troops of the 59 Division and Task Forces 2,4 and Area HQ (Welioya) will be under Mullaittivu SF HQ. 53 and 58 Divisions are the reserves of Commander of the Army and will operate under the direct instructions of Commander of the Army .Commenting on the recruitment process Military Spokesman stated that from January 2009 to date a total of 22130 have been recruited to the army.

Navy Spokesman Captain D.K.P Dassanayake joined the briefing by thanking the media for enlightening the public on the role of the Navy during the Humanitarian mission. He stated that the Navy played a “Silent Service” in the humanitarian operation. He went on to say that the oceans surrounding Sri Lanka are rich in resources and these resources could be used in the development process of the country. During the past few years many restrictions barred the maximum use of the oceans and therefore the fisheries industry was down. However, now it possible to harvest the riches of the ocean and the Sri Lanka Navy has a huge part to play in this. He said that the Navy will continue to protect the oceans of Sri Lanka by preventing ocean related crimes and help the fisheries industry.

Wing Commander Janaka Nanayakkara the Air Force Spokesman stated that the conduct of the Air Force in respect of the humanitarian mission may be over yet the Air Force would continue their work for the national security. He stated that the SLAF will actively train and be on alert for any threats to the security. The Air Force is the only entity that encompasses ground, air and maritime boundaries of the country within their ambit. Therefore, the Air Force is essential both in times of war and times of peace. He clarified that the SLAF ground troops have great responsibility in the future to ensure the development and protection in an area of around 8000sq km west of Wanni. He also stated that the Air Force will play a proactive role in civil aviation within certain parameters and actively lend their might to develop tourism of the country. He concluded that the Air Force will continue in this vein for the protection of the country.

Director General of the Media Centre for National Security Mr. Lakshman Hulugalle and Police Spokesman SSP Ranjith Gunasekera along with many foreign and local journalists were present at this press briefing.


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