No substitute for ‘readiness’

Minister of Law and Order Sagala Ratnayake said, the government is committed to take every possible step to maintain the status of the country as a secure nation, and will work with this in mind, in its reconciliation process.

Delivering the keynote speech at the Kotelawala Defence University International Research Conference 2016, the Minister went on to say that the government would never compromise the intelligence element of national security measures, and would always take a holistic approach on the issue.

“We stick to the fundamental principles of good governance. We are determined to put in place the checks and balances that insure the nation against any system-abuse. We believe it is a necessary precondition, not just for a healthy democracy, but to ensure that the best minds in the relevant fields are mobilized to serve the national interest,” said the Minister.

The Minister in his address pointed out, “the Government has made considerable progress in the short span of time since President Sirisena was sworn in. The foundation for democratic change has been laid and we are determined to build a strong edifice that will stand the test of time.”

“Let it not be said that the Government in setting itself an agenda that focuses on development and democratic reforms to ensure accountability, transparency and the rule of law, and neglecting what has traditionally been considered the preserve of the security forces. We are acutely aware of the possibility of national security being breached, less on account of under development, constitutional error or flaw, and non-addressing of grievances, but, the threat of incorrigible players that can and will exploit the slightest weakness in a security system. We do recognize the palpable need for demilitarization, the fulfilling of which grants relief to a war-weary nation desperately in need of pushing aside the signs and symbols of conflict. We have been mandated to do this,” the Minister stressed.

Speaking on reconciliation, he said, “Demilitarization does not mean a suspension of a military apparatus. The withdrawal of non-strategic wartime camps and the removal of checkpoints are necessary measures in a country that moves from a conflict mindset to one which needs to get used to the ideas of peace, reconciliation and co-existence.”

Reiterating the importance of national security he said, we cannot allow predictions on terrors in the future hold us back from moving forward, but ensure that conditions for such eruptions are not created.

“But human frailty there will always be, and always there will be extremist elements that can create or destroy the best laid plans. There is no substitute for readiness on these matters,” Minister Ratnayake said.