National security cannot be compromised - Army Commander

By Dhaneshi Yatawara

The much awaited Defence Seminar organised by the Sri Lanka Army will start tomorrow. Initiated on the directives of Secretary Defence Gotabaya Rajapaksa following the victory over the ruthless LTTE, the Sri Lanka Army was handed over the responsibility of organising this mega gathering depicting the success of the nation while paving the path for successful coordination between the friendly countries that would have the opportunity to go beyond a military relationship and address national development overall.

“Inspired by a renewed sense of national purpose as a result of peace and stability, Sri Lanka has shifted momentum towards development and prosperity. A pragmatic foreign policy and vibrant national development policy have instituted enormous change across the nation. The national security goals too have been realigned to meet new challenges and further national interest. The judicious and innovative employment of the military in national development related to sea, air and land activities are also some of the contributors to the cause,” the Sri Lanka Army said in its statement explaining its motives in organising the event this year. Configured into three days the seminar will progress through carefully sequenced sessions. It will be hosted at the Galadari in the heart of Colombo.

Changes

In an interview with the Sunday Observer, Army Commander Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake said that in this world where all armies are trying to find the perfect method to fulfill their duty while contributing to the country’s overall development, it is essential for them to get together and share knowledge and experience. “The traditional responsibility of the Army is something that changes with time. Changes will happen in the future too. This will be in preparation to that,” he said explaining the importance of the seminar which is held for the fourth consecutive time.

The Defence Seminar has now grown into an internationally accepted forum for interaction on matters of national, regional and international security. Defence Seminar 2014, under the theme ‘Sri Lanka: Challenges to a Rising Nation’ is to provide the forum for yet another learning and interactive experience on areas of national wellbeing and prosperity along with its related challenges and concerns.

“It would also broaden the scope of the forum to include a candid view of regional and global partners on Sri Lanka’s rise,” said Lt. Gen. Ratnayake.

In the present context a broader range of responsibilities are expected from the military.

“We, the Sri Lanka Army, cannot isolate ourselves from the nation as developed countries do. We are being paid by the people of this country and we have an obligation to serve them as and when they need our help,” he said.

Serving the Army for 33 years he is ‘armoured’ enough with experience to answer questions. Questioned on the Army's involvement in development, its welfare and future plans amidst pressure from several countries of the developed world, the Commander said that nothing can change what the Army is doing for the betterment of the country.

Threats

Traces of terrorism that seems to be still in existence in the country is the major threat. How is the army coping with this, in the middle of the above mentioned challenge. “Though we eliminated the LTTE there are extremist groups living outside Sri Lanka who are trying their level best to spread their ideologies and have not given up dividing the country. They attempt with the best of their ability to recreate the organisation to support their cause,” the Army Commander said.

They have been trying for the past five years and towards the end of last year these small groups of people tried to re-organise and our intelligence smelt it and they were closely following it, he said.

“Today, threats of terrorism to many countries come in diverse forms. And at a gathering like the Defence seminar decision-makers can acquire the knowledge without actually going through the tension of an actual ground situation,” he added. With more and more Army personnel getting involved full time in the national development drive, how does the Army balance in achieving its prime responsibility of protecting the country?

“As I always say, for us security is number one. That is our prime responsibility. That is how terrorist re-emergence was nipped in the bud. We will not compromise national security at any cost,” he said.

Bad experience

Army intelligence and combat-oriented soldiers are there in adequate numbers and that will be maintained by the Army along with continuous training to be ready to defend the country at any given moment. “We will always be on the guard not only in the North and the East but in the entire country. We have had bad experience in history where national security was breached,” he added.

“The intelligence units are working round the clock under directives of Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa. If security is not properly balanced the country will face a tense situation. We are taking adequate measures to maintain surveillance and the necessary security measures. The new methods of looking into security is that one does not see soldiers everywhere. There are new systems and methods that were developed in the world military field,” said the Army Commander.

He said that military officers are equipped with updated knowledge and that national security is ensured.

“The Army always maintains a balance between fighting, services and supporting segments and we manage it properly,” he said.