No plans to unleash military power on peaceful protesters: Defence Secretary

17 April 2022 12:41 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 9 Bookmark

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Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne said that there are no plans to abuse military power by unleashing it on peaceful protesters.

He made these remarks responding to the Facebook note of Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka in which he appealed to Secretary of Defence Kamal Gunaratne and Commander of the Army General Shavendra Silva to think deeply before implementing orders to suppress peaceful public protests.

In a statement, the Ministry of Defence said that the military forces will not be deployed to suppress democratically held peaceful protests.

However, the military will assist the Police if only such assistance is sought by the Police to defend the nation, uphold the constitution and restore the peace and order among all Sri Lankans in the event of a violent uprising, the Ministry said.

Secretary of Defence informing the public that the Sri Lankan Armed Forces who love the country and the people are a morally upright force further states that there is no truth in the rumours circulating on social media about an idea to send members of the intelligence services to the peaceful protesters and use them to disperse the protesters or to provoke through something like a bomb blast.

The Ministry whilst pointing out the various elements that are working to achieve their ulterior motives during the peaceful protest wishes to inform the public that appropriate legal measures will be instituted by the Police against those who destroy or damage the public property and/or the private property under the pretext of peaceful protests and those who lead it.

Secretary of Defence together with Tri-Forces Commanders reiterated their commitment to acting in a fair and impartial manner with integrity and respect stating that the Tri-Forces and the Police will responsibly do their utmost to protect the rule of law, order and people of the country in accordance with the constitution of the country, the statement further stated.(DSB)

Comments - 9

Jagath Leanage Sunday, 17 April 2022 01:35 PM

Army cant intervene . Srilanka is a DEMOCRATIC country .

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Labby Sunday, 17 April 2022 01:37 PM

"The security forces love the country and the people"? I wonder how hospitals, schools, temples, peoples' homes and the lot were indiscriminately bombed during the closing stages of our war. Who did that?

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roobarbie Sunday, 17 April 2022 01:45 PM

Public property has already been damaged by rajapaksha family rogues, so don't talk nonsense about the public damaging public property. Were you blind when they are being stolen and taken to foreign countries. No plans to deploy military forces? Then what about the plan to assist police and STF you admit to. They are plans to suppress to peaceful deminstrators. Dont talk like a snake with 2 tongues. You should be ashamed man!

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J P R Sunday, 17 April 2022 01:53 PM

There's no such position called secretary of defence or defence secretary in Sri lanka. Such positions are available in America due to the fact that those positions are held by politicians with the people's mandate. In Sri lanka there can only be secretary to the ministry of defence who has no peoples mandate.

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Curious Sunday, 17 April 2022 01:57 PM

The real issue is our constitution itself is corrupted.

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Triple x Sunday, 17 April 2022 02:02 PM

Yes no one is stopping you arrest and punish anyone who instigated violence, even when they ere from your deiya’s side.

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Martin Milton Sunday, 17 April 2022 02:14 PM

Even the defence Secretary's statement is flawed! He says the Forces will be 'defending the nation' AGAINST WHO?? May I ask? What an absolutely silly and irresponsible simplistic statement very much like someone trying to 'Whitewash' GoSL's ulterior motives. So yet another 'one'!! So sad after the significant book he wrote, after the anti LTTE terrorist war in which then Army Commander (Now Field Marshal) Sarath Fonseka's leadership played THE most important and strategic part. MM

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Ram Sunday, 17 April 2022 02:50 PM

Your statement is good. Please do not send people to the protesting venue to create trouble to make it violent and get the opening to send the Military

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mayura Sunday, 17 April 2022 02:53 PM

Mr. Kamal Gunaratne, you know very well that Gotha

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