Defence Secretary pays tribute to STF personnel in Ampara

Defence Secretary, Gotabhaya Rajapaksa visited Ampara on Friday to pay a tribute to Police Special Task Force (STF) personnel. Rajapaksa, the mastermind behind the recent military successes to eradicate terrorism, said security is essential in sustaining the freedom the Security Forces have 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?, the Defence Secretary said during his visit to the STF Command Headquarters at Ampara.

The visit was made to pay tribute to the STF personnel who displayed tact and bravery on the call of duty during the two year odd humanitarian operations in the Wanni and Eastern battle theaters. The Inspector General of Police, 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. Defence Secretary was accorded a 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?, 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.

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