Real Srilankan

12/5/2014 10:50:49 AM 'We must not stray from the transformative path'- Secretary Defence

'We must not stray from the transformative path'- Secretary Defence

"Sri Lanka today is a very different nation from what it was not so long ago". "National security is essential for the survival of the state, and it is the foundation of peace, freedom and prosperity of any country", said Secretary, Ministry of Defence and Urban Development Mr. Gotabaya Rajapaksa making the keynote address at the gathering of professionals organized at the Organisation of Professional Associations (OPA) in Colombo 07 on 4th December. Mr. Rajapaksa addressed the gathering of professionals on the theme of 'National Security in Sri Lanka'.

The Organisation of Professional Associations of Sri Lanka (OPA) was established in 1974, with several professional bodies mooting the idea of a joint professional body, to cater to the country's growing need of professional opinion.Over the years the OPA has grown into a powerful civil society body consisting of an impressive list of member associations, currently standing at 44, with a total membership of approximately 50,000 professionals in various fields, whose outreach could extensive in numbers.The OPA holds regular seminars and lectures for members and the public, creating awareness on good governance and for the development of the country.

Recalling on the ruthless acts of LTTE during the past he said that, when President Rajapaksa was first elected to office in 2005, the country and its people had suffered from the brutal terrorism of the LTTE for almost three decades. Moreover, a range of other issues stemming from the conflict also affected the country and halted its economic and socio-political progress, he said.

Further elaborating on the criminal activities and the conduct of underworldgangsters that he mentioned that, democracy was threatened,routine law and order activities were affectedand hence, Emergency Regulations were constantly in force.The development of strong democratic institutions and the establishment of good governance were merely farfetched dreams then, he noted.

He reiterated that the President inherited such a legacy of issuesand threats of terrorism from the previous administrations. But, within a short period of time lasting peace was brought as pledged, he added.

Emphasising on the dynamic efforts made in demining,resettlement, rehabilitation, rebuilding of war torn areas,reviving of democracy, re-establishing elections in the North and East, disarming of armed groups and the liftingof emergency regulations,he said that, many actions had to be taken to ensure national reconciliation and to create a conducive platformconducive for rapid economic growth.The separatist international enterprise of LTTE and non-rehabilitated cadresare posing a significant threat to our national securityand itremains with the possible re-emergence of terrorism, he also emphasised.

Further stating on active LTTE elements in operation with the hidden agendas of the 'Transnational Government of Tamil Eelam' and 'Global Tamils Forum' he said that, propaganda campaign against Sri Lanka is progressing targeting Tamil expatriates, foreign governments and international organisations.

Moreover, explaining on the reduction of troops in the former theatre of warhe said that, the military has constructed houses, developed infrastructure, provided material assistance for livelihood enhancement, helped to conduct religious ceremonies and observances, and provided many other forms of support for the people in the North and East.

Elaborating on several elements acting upon vested interests to destabilize the country he reiterated that, journey we have come on together as a nation over the past five years needs to continue uninterrupted if our nation is to achieve its aspirations and regain its rightful place in the world. We must not stray from the transformative path we have been on for the last several years. Instead, we must continue on this journey together as a nation he stated.

A panel discussion was also held during the session. Chairperson of the OPA Mr. Athauda Jayawardena, President -Elect Prof. Rohan Kuruppu, General Secretary OPA Mr. Ruwan Gallage, distinguished OPA members including a large gathering of eminent professionals were present at the event.