An Internal Security Act seems the need of the hour

By K. Godage 

Considering the law and order situation in the country, may I suggest that our government seriously considers introducing an Act of Parliament similar to the Internal Security Act of Malaysia to ensure the security of our country?  
Malaysia and Sri Lanka have much in common. The ethnic divisions are quite similar but it is on the economic front that they are ahead of us. On the ethno-social front, they too have faced conflicts but these have been better managed.  
Although our insurgency ended seven years ago, weapons appear to be available to those who seek them and the level of crime appears to be increasing; and not due to poverty alone.  
The threats to our security are many. It is being said that foreign agencies are also involved in subversive activities and have their own agendas. Another very sophisticated threat is the Cyber threat. All NGOs must also be required by law to declare their sources of funding and to submit ‘Performance Reports’. An Internal Security Act is indeed an imperative, considering what has been taking place in the country in recent times.  

"Although our insurgency ended seven years ago, weapons appear to be available to those who seek them and the level of crime appears to be increasing; and not due to poverty alone. "

We need to revisit too, the power of detention; and must ensure that such power is not ‘POLITICISED’. The Judicial system and the ‘Prison system’ would have to be revised to meet the new needs and challenges of the moment. 
I recall, when I was Chairman of the Prison Visitors Board, the then Minister in charge of Prisons, D.E.W. Gunasekera had made a study of previous reports on Prisons and had prepared a very good report. However, the then government did not favour prison reform and kicked him upstairs as a Senior Minister without much responsibility. He timidly accepted his ‘promotion’, which was a loss to the country.  
‘Exasperated’ is perhaps the word that comes to mind when one thinks of what has happened and of what is happening in our country even today.   Our expectations were high after power changed hands in January last year; and we were indeed happy that the drift towards a totalitarian state had ended and that Democracy-as we have practised it since Independence-was being restored. However, it does appear that certain elements in their lust for power are undermining this.    We must pass new legislation to deal with these elements and to ensure that the concerns of our minorities will be addressed as a priority issue. We must also guarantee that extremists of all shades are dealt with. Thus an Internal Security Act MUST be enacted at its earliest.   
Peace, security and stability for all citizens are a birthright and it is the government’s responsibility to deliver what they have promised. Extremism must be outlawed and extremists kept in check. Moderation must be crowned and enthroned.   

Our expectations were high after power changed hands in January last year; and we were indeed happy that the drift towards a totalitarian state had ended and that Democracy-as we have practised it since Independence-was being restored