National Security, Govt's prime concern - Defence Secretary B.M.U.D. Basnayake

By Dhaneshi Yatawara

***********

The New Defence Secretary B.M.U.D. Basnayake who is the former Secretary to the Ministry of Environment and Renewable Energy assumed duties at the Ministry of Defence on January 11.

Basnayake, a renowned member of the Sri Lanka Administrative Service is with a vast experience in service of over 33 years. He has served as a Senior Lecturer in the Sri Lanka Institute of Development Administration whilst imparting administrative awareness to the senior military officials during the past.

Throughout the career of past three decades he has also served as a lecturer in the Police Training College and as a Senior Administrative Officer of the Ministry of Finance.

**********

With the shift to a new Government it is speculated by different parties, people and experts of the field the possibility of changes in the defence sector. With a new State Minister appointed and a senior Administrative officer appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, would there be drastic changes in the field of defence? What is the new approach of the Ministry?

Answering to these questions Secretary to the Ministry B.M.U.D. Basnayake said that without any solid study of the true situation of the current position in the defence sector, the Government will not take drastic changes. As reported in over the media in the past week, one of the first decisions by the Government with regard to the tri-forces was to return the lands that were used for non-military purposes back to their original owners. “And the Government has no intention to use military personnel to non military establishment,” he said.

Following are the excerpts of the interview:

Q: Is the Government planning on any drastic changes in the defence sector as many point of views speculated in the media and web?

A: Government will not make any drastic changes immediately. With my new appointment I'm still studying the current condition and that is necessary to address issues related to the Defence sector.

Q: There was much talk on demilitarisation in North over the past. In particular there were questions over lands used by the military. What is the latest situation?

A: With regard to the lands, those that have been taken for non military purposes by the security forces, the government decision is to return them to the civilians. And the Government has no intention to use military personnel to non military establishments like commercial scale farms, shops etc. To return those lands to civilians, Army, Navy and the Air Force are directed to give detail reports on these lands to the Ministry of Defence in due course. Those reports will be ready without much delay. Those will be handed over to the President and the Prime Minister at the Security Council meeting.

Lands that are essential for military purposes will be intact. National security is the prime objective of the Government and therefore we will not direct any removals from lands that are taken for military purposes.

Q: Since Government is not willing to use military personnel in non military activities will there be any effect on the ongoing development projects where many servicemen are involved?

A: No there will be no change. The ongoing development projects will continue. These projects will continue until the planned phase is complete. Present Government has no intention to overhaul the most necessary development projects that are already implemented.

Q: What is the new scope of the Ministry of Defence with the change of the Administration?

A: National Security will be number one. As of now the Urban Development Authority is not under the MoD and all we have to be fully concerned is the securing the territorial integrity and safety of the country.

Q: It was mentioned at the Cabinet Press Briefing by the Cabinet Spokesman that President Maithripala Sirisena has called for an explanation from you with regard to your comment on the bank account held by the former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa. What is your position in this?

A: I am preparing a report on this account. When it is complete it will be handed over to President Maithripala Sirisena.