Everyone must join hands to ensure national security : All-party meeting

Colombo (News 1st): An all-party meeting chaired by President Maithripala Sirisena was convened at the presidential secretariat today (April 25). The communique issued by the President's media division stated that all party leaders pledged to extend their maximum support to eradicate terrorism, and apprehend those responsible for the deadly attacks last Sunday. The prevailing situation in the country and the measures required to address such issues were discussed in depth during the conference. The communique further states that everyone must join hands to ensure national security, without any political or racial differences. The president also informed the party leaders regarding the steps and measures that have been taken to ensure national security and control the prevailing situation. President Maithripala Sirisena noted that they are currently in the process of restructuring the defence ministry, the police, the triforces, and the intelligence unit and will establish a joint operations centre combining the tri-forces and the police. The Head of State added that many foreign organizations have arrived in the country and are currently extending their support to the security forces and the joint operation, the support of foreign organizations, as well as the program combined with both local and foreign groups, will be implemented immediately. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe stated that since they are operating internationally this is an opportunity for the police. The police must accept that not acting on information from the intelligence unit is a failure and a lapse in the system. The Premier noted that at present, the police and the army have been able to identify the group responsible for these attacks and maintain peace since last Sunday. He said many of the prime suspects have already been apprehended and they must now focus particularly on the sleepers.