Sri Lankan News

“Bestow rewards without regard to customary rules, issue orders without regard to prescribed procedures” – Sun Tzu

“Security is essential in sustaining the freedom we gained. Now we are faced upon with new challenges: to restore the normalcy of the innocent people who were rescued from the LTTE clutches; to engage in development and infrastructure building activities in both North and East. Yet, we have to secure the liberty we gained and this includes involving all sections of the society”, said Secretary Defence Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

He made these views during a visit to the Police Special Task Force (STF) command Headquarters at Ampara yesterday (July 10). The visit was made to pay tribute to the STF personnel who displayed tact and bravery on the call of duty during the 2 years odd humanitarian operations at the Wanni and Eastern battle theaters.

The Police Chief, IG Jayantha Wickramarathne, senior DIG Mahinda Balasooriya, Commanding Officer STF, DIG K.M.L Sarathchandra, DIG (operations) R.W.M.C Ranawana and many Police officers were also present at the occasion.

Secretary Defence was accorded a historic Guard of Honour on his arrival at the STF command Headquarters, Ampara. While appreciating the professionalism displayed by the STF personnel in the line of duty, Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa commended the dedication and unwavering commitment of the STF that was a major force in liberating this nation from the scourge of terrorism. “From the inception of the humanitarian operation in the East, the STF proved its speciality as a ‘Task Unit’ especially at Ampara, Batticaloa and Vavuniya”, Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa further asserted delivering the Chief Guest’s speech.

“The STF stands out as a special unit that has engaged the world’s most ruthless terrorist outfit over the years. Over 500 STF officers have made their supreme sacrifices, while similar numbers sustained injuries on the call of duty. These sacrifices are not in vain: They laid down their lives to secure the freedom of their own brethren who were held captive by a dreadful terrorist outfit for decades.

Now we are faced upon with new challenges: to restore the normalcy of the innocent people who were rescued from the LTTE clutches; to engage in development and infrastructure building activities in both North and East. Yet, we have to secure the liberty we gained and this includes involving all sections of the society” he said.

Secretary Defence also witnessed a rare photo exhibition of the STF, including images since the Task unit’s inception. Meanwhile, Secretary Defence also distributed clutches and gifts to disabled war heroes.

Courtesy : Ministry of Defence