Intelligence agencies play integral part in tackling COVID-19: Defence Sec.

Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne said the intelligence agencies which were sidelined under the previous government have been revamped today, and that these agencies play an integral part in preventing the spread of COVID-19 in the country.

According to Defence.lk, Maj.Gen. Gunaratne expressed these views while addressing the troops in the North and East yesterday.

Commending the contribution done by the country’s intelligence agencies, he said they had been sidelined, discarded and demotivated under the previous administration but the entire intelligence system were revamped under this Government to use them effectively.

“Today, the intelligence agencies are providing exceptional results by promptly tracking and tracing individuals evading quarantine and identifying potential coronavirous carriers, who have associated with confirmed patients,” Defenec Secretary said.

He also praised the contribution of the health sector, especially the Public Health Inspectors (PHIs) who were in frontline in the fight against the coronavirus.

Meanwhile, he said the Tri-Forces and Police personnel had proved their professionalism and expertise by supporting the Government efforts to contain the spread of coronavirus.

“From manning roadblocks, erecting quarantine facilities to tracking and tracing potential coronavirus infected patients and from mass disinfection initiatives to distributing household goods and provisions to needy communities in the country, you have displayed your capabilities,” he said.

The Defence Secretary commended the efforts taken by soldiers, airmen, sailors and Police corps to support the Government's coronavirus prevention programmes bearing the health risks.

“I pay my deep gratitude for every one of you for protecting the country and its people leaving aside your families during this festive season,” he said.

Maj.Gen. Gunaratne, who met Tri-Forces and Police personnel during the visit to Security Forces Headquarters at Jaffna, Kilinochchi, Mullaitivu, Vavuniya and Trincomalee, conveyed the best wishes and Sinhala and Tamil New Year greetings of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Sri Lanka Air Force Commander Air Marshal Sumangala Dias, Commander, Security Forces - Jaffna Maj. Gen. Ruwan Wanigasooriya, DIG Jaffna, Senior Navy, Air Force, STF and Police officers, Tri service Senior Officers, Police Officers and servicemen also participated.