Security Forces Headquarters in Jaffna asked the business community in Jaffna to engage in their lawful businesses without submitting to ransom demands from certain groups since the Army will provide them protection.
A meeting was organized by the Civil Affairs and Public Relations Office in Jaffna to discuss constraints and difficulties faced by businessmen in the peninsula, following a few incidents of ransom demands were reported by businessmen during the past six months.
The meeting was held at the Catholic Press Hall in Jaffna on Sunday at which about 250 businessmen were present.
An officer of the Security Forces Headquarters Jaffna said Jaffna Commander Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe instructed the business community not to give into any ransom demand as the Army was always there to protect them.
He said that the business community was told that the era where they had to work at gunpoint was over and they now had the liberty to engage in their legitimate businesses. If they are obstructed or threatened by any group or individual, the Army was there to protect them.
Major General Hathurusinghe told the business community that in the aftermath of defeating terrorism, the army’s role has changed to assist rehabilitation, reconstruction and reconciliation. He said that Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has taken steps to remove all barriers from Elephant Pass.
During this transition period where Jaffna was striving to regain its former glory, the business community had a great responsibility towards promoting trade and commerce while ensuring the peace dividend is enjoyed by the people.
He also instructed that if they come under demand of ransom or any threat to their business, to keep the nearest Army camp or himself informed immediately. He added that President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary have issued clear instructions that any extortion and ransom demand anywhere in the country to be dealt with severely. (Courtesy: Daily News)
A meeting was organized by the Civil Affairs and Public Relations Office in Jaffna to discuss constraints and difficulties faced by businessmen in the peninsula, following a few incidents of ransom demands were reported by businessmen during the past six months.
The meeting was held at the Catholic Press Hall in Jaffna on Sunday at which about 250 businessmen were present.
An officer of the Security Forces Headquarters Jaffna said Jaffna Commander Major General Mahinda Hathurusinghe instructed the business community not to give into any ransom demand as the Army was always there to protect them.
He said that the business community was told that the era where they had to work at gunpoint was over and they now had the liberty to engage in their legitimate businesses. If they are obstructed or threatened by any group or individual, the Army was there to protect them.
Major General Hathurusinghe told the business community that in the aftermath of defeating terrorism, the army’s role has changed to assist rehabilitation, reconstruction and reconciliation. He said that Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa has taken steps to remove all barriers from Elephant Pass.
During this transition period where Jaffna was striving to regain its former glory, the business community had a great responsibility towards promoting trade and commerce while ensuring the peace dividend is enjoyed by the people.
He also instructed that if they come under demand of ransom or any threat to their business, to keep the nearest Army camp or himself informed immediately. He added that President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Defence Secretary have issued clear instructions that any extortion and ransom demand anywhere in the country to be dealt with severely. (Courtesy: Daily News)
