The Government rejects the reports in the printed and electronic media  referring to the 'total' re- deployment of the Special Task Force(STF) today (21) from the Eastern province as being totally incorrect. Re- deployment of Forces   on considerations of  Troop levels, requirements, exigencies of the service and  ground realities are   considered routine for the Police and such matters should not be reported by the media  in  a manner at this critical juncture and time which could  be an advantage  to the enemy .

Meanwhile, some media reports of 21st March indicate that the re- deployment of the STF has been made at the instigation of the TMVP in the Batticaloa District . The Government reiterates that the STF was re - deployed to strengthen   the TMVP which predominates  the Batticalao District and as  the Government rejects such  media report as a total fabrication and distortion of facts.

Ground realities with reference the strengths available   and required  in relation to the task  of  providing  the security expected  and other matters    are some  considerations  that have resulted in the re-deployment  of the STF. The Government whilst reminding that the entire STF has not been re- deployed ,  calls on the media to correct the false interpretations in the printed and electronic media  of today (21).

(Courtesy: Media Centre for National Security)