No issues regarding national security at present: Defense Secretary

COLOMBO (News 1st); Defense Secretary Major General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne assures that as of present, there are no issues regarding National Security. 

Speaking at a function of inauguration of a war hero memorial at the President's College Maharagama, the Defence Secretary stated that leaders of all sectors meet once a week and discuss have in-depth discussions on national security lasting for at least half a day, followed by a meeting of the National Security Council with the President and the Prime Minister to take all the necessary steps with regard to security. 

Speaking further, the Defense Secretary stated that whenever there was a rumor of a bomb threat to the country or even a terrorist attack, he would come forward and has been tasked with assuring the public that national security is ensured and there is no need to have any undue fear about any security threats. 

Adding that security will be ensured during the upcoming season as well, the Defense Secretary responded to inquiries on various reports of murders and other incidents occurring in the past several days. 

Retired Major General Kamal Gunaratne, responding to media clarified that when it comes to national security, it is a theme that has a wider range than a single murder occurring at some place.

He mentioned that if Sri Lanka is facing an invasion from another country, a terrorist threat, if there are people who are dying from COVID-19, or if there are natural disasters that are affecting the people in the country, then it can be declared that it is a threat to national security.

"The fact that a murder took place somewhere cannot be declared as a threat to national security. Today the Government had brought underworld activities to a minimum. Minor incidents are controlled by the Police. Events like murders usually happen in any country," he added.