7.8.2008

Security Measures as well as lavish cooperation being provided by members of the Armed Forces and the Police for smooth conduct of civil administration in the Jaffna peninsula were closely reviewed and commended by Mr Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, Secretary Defence when he visited Jaffna this morning (7), accompanied by Chief of Defence Staff Air Chief Marshal Donald Perera, Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Sarath Fonseka and a few others.

Commander, Security Forces, Jaffna Major General G. A Chandrasiri, upon receipt of the visiting high-level team at Palaly, briefed them later on a wide range of related important issues, as regards current security developments, ongoing search and clear operations, Security Forces' support to healthy functioning of civil administration, regular movements of civilians and vehicles, conduct of Hindu religious festivals, distribution of essentials, counter- measures in force against terrorist threats, humanitarian services, performed by the Security Forces, airlift of patients to Colombo, arrangements in operation for emergency purposes, development work of state and non-governmental agencies, facilitation for conduct of ongoing G. C. E (Advanced Level) examination, rest and recreation needs of the Security Forces,etc.

Major General Chandrasiri also told the visiting team that normalcy prevailing in the peninsula has enormously attracted devotees in their thousands for large-scale Hindu religious festivals in the area, such as the Mavadipuram one and the ongoing Nallur Kovil one. An unprecedented crowd of about 7500 pilgrims has taken part in the recently concluded Mavadipuram festival, the discussion was told.

Mr Rajapaksa, in response to Major General Chandrasiri's comments, highlighted the importance and necessity of conducting civil affairs in the peninsula in an excellent manner, causing the least possible inconvenience to the Jaffna public. He also wanted his appreciation be conveyed to all members of the Armed forces and the Police who are serving the peninsula day and night, despite constraints. Mr Rajapaksa requested the Jaffna Commander to maintain the status quo and try to improve all civil sector involvements further in order to alleviate hardships on the part of the civilians, if any.