Troops, camps remain in North - Army Commander
In his first newspaper interview with our sister paper Silumina, the
newly-appointed Army Commander, Lt.General Krishantha de Silva, said
that the troops deployed in the North have not been withdrawn as well as
the military camps.
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In his first newspaper
interview with our sister paper Silumina, the newly-appointed
Army Commander, Lt.General Krishantha de Silva, said that the
troops deployed in the North have not been withdrawn as well as
the military camps. Pledging to raise the professional standards
of the Sri Lanka Army to new heights, the Commander said that
safeguarding territorial sovereignty was of paramount importance
and promised to to take all measures to prevent the resurgence
of militancy in the North.
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Pledging to raise the professional standards of the Sri Lanka Army to
new heights, the Commander said that safeguarding territorial
sovereignty was of paramount importance and promised to to take all
measures to prevent the resurgence of militancy in the North.
Excerpts from the interview:
Q: What is your primary responsibility as the new Army chief?
A: My main responsibility as the Commander of the Army is to
ensure national security. The President and myself are fully committed
to achieving national security.
We will do our best to prevent any threats being posed to our
national security and challenge our territorial integrity. The Army is
maintained by public funds and is duty-bound to protect the people and
the country.
Q: What about the security in the North and the East, post
war?
A: No military camps have been withdrawn to release land to
the original owners. Neither troops nor camps will be withdrawn from the
North. Private lands adjacent to various Army camps have been released
from time to time, after the war ended in May 2009.
Q: There are apprehensions about the possibility of the
Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) regrouping with the support of
sections of the Tiger diaspora and the re-emergence of militancy in the
North. What is your assessment?
A: We are extremely alert and watch the situation very
carefully. Every step will be taken to ensure national security. There
will be zero tolerance of any acts of terror.
Q: Are you happy with the current security arrangements in the
North?
A: Yes, the Army is conscious of its responsibilities and the
area is made quite secure.
Q: Questions have been raised about the strength of the Army.
Are you going to downsize it?
A: The reason for the maintenance of troops is to ensure
national security. The military hardware, trrops and weaponry will be
secured and maintained according to the requirements of the country.
Q: Can you explain if there is a link between the Army and the
Avant Garde floating armoury?
A: The matter is sub judice. We have acted according to the
instructions issued by the Defence Ministry.
I want the Army to be a well-disciplined, professional body.
Reputation is extremely important to any army. A positive public
perception of the Army depends on its professional competence, sense of
responsibility and the gallantry displayed in thwarting threats to
national security.
Q: The government has halted an expensive Pentagon-style army
headquarters project, initiated by the former government.What are your
comments?
A: You should ask the Defence Ministry.
Q: Do you believe the criteria for being promoted within the
military should be primarily seniority and merit?
A: I believe it is both. It is a prime requirement that there
should be the ability to manage troops and operations.
Q: The media had recently reported that soldiers have been
detailed to provide security to the children of former military top
brass. Is this true?
A: No soldiers have been deployed in the manner described. I
have not come across such a situation after I assumed duties.
Q: There were media reports that King Elara's golden cart was
discovered when the foundation stone was laid for the construction of
the Sandahiru Seya . Is this correct?
A: I have no knowledge about it and have not heard anything so
far. |
