CGD set up to combat mafia operations

by P. Krishnaswamy

The newly established Coast Guard Department (CGD) having its temporary headquarters at the BMICH would work hand in hand with the S.L. Navy in combatting drug trafficking, human smuggling and other illegal activities across the country's maritime borders, Rear Admiral Daya Dharmapriya, Director General of the CGD told the Sunday Observer .

Two months ago the Cabinet approved a memorandum submitted by President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Minister of Defence, Public Security, Law and Order for establishing the CGD. The CGD is now in the process of equipping itself with more manpower and vessels to prevent all internationally-linked mafia operations and other illegal activities that were thriving under the reign of terror unleashed by the now defunct LTTE, he also said.

The sea-frontage location of the CGD is to be established at Mirissa, a coastal fishing village near Weligama down South and the CGD has already acquired two buildings where the Mirissa Central College was located prior to the 2004 tsunami together with the adjoining four acres of land.

The building, damaged in the tsunami, has to be renovated and additional structures, including parapet walls and bathrooms, have to be put up, he explained.