Published on - 6/14/2004
Minister of Public Security, Law and Order, Buddha Sasana and Deputy Minister of Defence Hon. Ratnasiri Wickremanayake in the company of Service Chiefs of the Army, Navy and Air Force visited Jaffna peninsula on Monday (12) in order to receive an update of the current security situation and exchange views with soldiers at the grass roots level.
After an introductory brief delivered by Commander, Security Forces (Jaffna) Major General M. D. S Chandrapala at his office complex, the visiting delegates including Commanders, Lieutenant General S.H.S Kottegoda (Army), Vice Admiral Daya Sandagiri (Navy) and Air Marshal Donald Perera and Senior Officers were conducted to meet a representative gathering of soldiers serving in the peninsula.
In his brief address to troops, Minister Wickremanayake extending a tribute to those serving the motherland assured that the Army will be further strengthened and creating more chances for soldiers to get transfers to areas outside operational areas.
The Minister also further said all steps to increase welfare benefits for soldiers would be taken as early as possible after rectifying those shortcomings, if any.
The visiting Minister afterwards toured Muhamalai entry/exit point areas and inspected a security bunker at the Forward Defence Line. The Minister talked to soldiers manning the bunker and shared a couple of views and greetings during his meet with Police personnel and soldiers in 55 Division.
Brigadier V. R Silva, 55 Division, General Officer Commanding Commander briefed the delegates on the current security situation in his area of control before they moved into Nagar Kovil area.
The Minister later on paid obeisance to the incumbent at Nagadeepa Vihara and proceeded to Kankesanthurai to visit naval troops where he was given an account of the security situation in the premises by Rear Admiral L. D Dharmaratne, Commander Northern Naval area.
