SECRETARY DEFENCE Mr Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) Air Marshal Donald Perera and Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka, in an apparent move to take stock of new security developments in the east, particularly in the aftermath of the recent Provincial Council elections, flew to Ampara, Konduwattuwan Combat Training School and met a representative gathering of Security Forces serving the east.
The visiting trio was welcomed by Major General Dhammika Liyanage, Commander, Security Forces East before those present sat for a discussion. Those visiting defence authorities, as the first leg of their interaction spoke to Army Area Commanders, General Officers Commanding, Brigade Commanders and Sub Commanders and exchanged views with them related to the security status quo in the area. Afterwards, the high-level defence team addressed Special Task Force (STF) personnel, Police Officers and Police Constables and listened to their views and hardships.
The visiting defence authorities took steps then and there to resolve certain matters which were related to their execution of Police duties in the area.
As the second leg of their tour, all three authorities flew to Welikanda area where they were received by Brigadier Dampath Fernando. The visiting defence authorities as in Ampara chatted with senior military commanders and Army officers in the area and issued instructions that should be complied with in the performance of their security duties.
Later on they had a lengthy discussion with STF personnel and Police Officers serving the area. During those discussions, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka pointed out the importance of offering maximum possible support for the elected representatives in the restoration of law and order.
(Courtesy : Sri Lanka Army )