|
|
|
| Sunday, 14 August 2005 |
 |
|
 |
Security |  |
| News Business Features Editorial
|
Security tightened after assassination The Tri-Forces Commanders, IGP and Defence Ministry officials yesterday had a emergency meeting to decide security measures following the assassination of the Foreign Minister. Army, Navy and Air Force have launched a joint operation to arrest the killers, while a naval blockade has also been detailed, military spokesman Brigadier Daya Ratnayake said. Helicopter surveillance is still in place. The Military spokesman said the weapon found in a shrub in the vicinity of the Foreign Ministers residence is a grenade launcher. The recovered weapon could have been brought by the assassins as a precaution to be used if the sniper could not hit the target, he said. Two persons, residents of the house adjoining the Foreign Minister's residence were arrested immediately after the assassination. Meanwhile entry facilities to government-controlled areas from the entry and exit points in Muhamalai and Omanthai have been suspended from yesterday. "Only outgoing facilities (movements to the LTTE controlled areas) is allowed," Brigadier Ratnayake said. Security Forces have been placed on high alert in the North-East and area commanders have been briefed on new security measures. Intelligence services of the Police and Military have to be rehauled with talented officers to counter future LTTE operations, former Senior DIG H.M.B.Kotakadeniya told the Sunday Observer yesterday. He said "hundreds of LTTE operatives have infiltrated Colombo after the breakdown of intelligence operations following the signing of Ceasefire Agreement". Everyone knew that Foreign Minister Lakshman Kadirgamar was a prime target and his life could have been saved if the intelligence service had not broken down, Kotakadeniya said.Urgent measures should be taken immediately to counter LTTE operations at least after the killing of the Foreign Minister to save the lives of others who are on the LTTE hit list, he noted. He said that the gunning down of the Foreign Minister was a clear indication that the LTTE was not honouring the CFA. |
|
| News | Business | Features
| Editorial | Security
| Produced by Lake House |
