President slams some NGOs, media, traitorous forces

27 October 2016 10:06 pm - 28 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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President Maithripala Sirisena said on Thursday that certain media organisations, journalists, nongovernmental organizations (NGOs) and traitorous forces act without realizing the importance of ensuring national security.

The President said he was not ready to compromise national security in order to please NGOs.

Addressing the Armed Forces' investiture ceremony, ‘Gallantry Awards 2016,’ at the BMICH last evening, President Sirisena said the national security should be maintained without belittling it.

“Some factions act without understanding this. Sometimes, it appears, some media organisations, journalists, NGOs and various traitorous forces do this,” he said.

He said the speech he had delivered at the SLFI recently had been distorted by some and given publicity by people sheltering behind the privilege of ‘Media Freedom’ which was restored by this government.

“I have to say this clearly: some media behaved in an unacceptable manner abusing the media freedom that exists today. But, no matter how much they criticize, oppose or attack me, I will never lose confidence in the armed forces and will always be committed to do the utmost for the welfare, honour and dignity of the three armed forces and our heroic soldiers,” President Sirisena said.

Sri Lanka’s history was full of wars, struggles, rebellions and resistance activated by our great ancestors. Our history of resistance and rebellion runs back more than 1,000 years. We faced foreign dominance from 1505 to 1948. During the foreign rule, Sri Lanka not only lost her dignity but the culture, economy and all her rights. But there were constant struggles against the plunder of our country by foreigners. Thus, heroism was not anything alien or unfamiliar to Sri Lankans. We were able to confront foreign threats with resolve and bravery. We have inherited heroism, he said.

President Sirisena emphasised that those who had no clear knowledge of and an inadequate assessment of national security should not comment on it. He added that he would not be perturbed or unsettled by the comments made by those who did not have an iota of knowledge of State Administration and governance.

The government has done much to promote reconciliation between the Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and other communities during the past one and half years and its efforts have been successful. We have also created an environment in the country that strengthens inter-communal peace and harmony. But we must not forget for a moment that there are certain groups and organisations that are ideologically in favour of separatism. These have not been destroyed and are waiting for an opportunity to create trouble in Sri Lanka. We must defeat them by hook or by crook. That is why we must win the confidence of the global community. We must not, at any moment, lower our guard with regard to national security. President Sirisena said.

“I am used to criticism and vituperative politics. But I cannot be dictated to because of the agendas of some NGOs and certain media organisations. Those who give wrong interpretations of our work must not poke their fingers into the affairs of the government,” he said.

President Sirisena said Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi had described to him the disruptions caused in India by NGOs. Sri Lanka has successfully managed its international affairs and made many friends. "But at the same time we must have a good control of our domestic front," he said.

Fron the time Sri Lanka gained independence from the British up to the 70s, the armed forces served the motherland without much disruption or calamity. The experience the armed forces got during that period helped them to crush LTTE terrorism within Sri Lanka. But we must never forget that the concept and ideology of LTTE terrorism is alive in certain parts of the world. It is clearly manifest in the protests staged against Sri Lanka in certain world capitals by LTTE sympathisers.

“Therefore, the obliteration of LTTE terrorism must be made a great victory by strengthening ourselves physically, strategically and in combat. We cannot be complacent at any stage. We must be alert at all times and aware that separatist terrorism has not been defeated ideologically," he said. (Sandun A Jayasekera)

Video by President's Media

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Comments - 28

raj Friday, 28 October 2016 07:04 AM

National security is used by some government to suppress its citizens. What kind of threat is Sri Lanka facing since the end of the war? It seems to be a paranoia.

Aba Jayasekera Saturday, 29 October 2016 05:37 PM

The President has made a great speech. But some commentators either by ignorance or design are trying to belittle him.

Aba Jayasekera Saturday, 29 October 2016 05:32 PM

You seem to be a lackey of foreign NGOs .

Aba Jaysekera Saturday, 29 October 2016 05:29 PM

Don't expose your ignorance about good democracy as practised around the world

Soma Friday, 28 October 2016 01:25 PM

No Anton. It's all credit to new President and all fault to former president

Catdog Friday, 28 October 2016 12:19 PM

I hope this joker understands that we did not vote him in, but rather voted MR out.

Kadey Gedera Friday, 28 October 2016 12:12 PM

Country is like a "Biththara Appey". Udath gindara yatath gindara.

Yakadaya Friday, 28 October 2016 12:07 PM

What about your son's night club raid ?

Sharon Friday, 28 October 2016 09:33 AM

Night club case please...

TJ Friday, 28 October 2016 08:46 AM

Unwanted speech at an inappropriate time. Your political opportunism is very visible now.

Professor Asoka Ekanayaka Friday, 28 October 2016 08:37 AM

Attacking the media and labelling discerning critics who see through the deception and double speak of politicians as " traitorous forces" ,is the familiar reaction of people who lack the grace and humility to retract and apologise after making unwise utterences that have shattered their credibility.

Sammy Friday, 28 October 2016 07:39 AM

In what way does trying to cover up misdeeds of a miscreant son or using Presidential powers to undermine the workings of independent commissions enquiring into the misdeeds of certain members of the hierarchy of the previous regime constitute protection of national security?

Premalal Friday, 28 October 2016 07:21 AM

We appreciate your stand on various issues but the silence on the Bond scam is deafening.

Citizen Friday, 28 October 2016 07:21 AM

Since recently he is ranting as his party is losing ground.

Ajith Friday, 28 October 2016 01:31 AM

He is in offensive to cover his thug son. Nice work Mr. President.

raj Friday, 28 October 2016 07:03 AM

People should know what is really going and nothing to hide so the government will be accountable. President's this statement is a threat to freedom of speech and to free media and other NGO. Sri Lanka is in U-Turn where it was before Mr.Srisena was elected.

ANTON Friday, 28 October 2016 07:03 AM

FIRST RULE OF PRESIDENCY : " EVERYTHING IS YOUR FAULT"

raj Friday, 28 October 2016 07:01 AM

This statement proves that you have become judge of the citizens. A country that has good democracy, the government will not interfere either media or any independent organization. In which developed countries, do president and prime ministers make statement that indirectly undermine the independency of the media and other organization?

Leo Friday, 28 October 2016 06:42 AM

OK speech done. Now over to your next overseas trip. via DM Android App

RD Friday, 28 October 2016 06:44 AM

Why Gota? I think Daham is now qualified for that

Darm Friday, 28 October 2016 06:42 AM

Your biggest partners are the ones without a clue of national security!!

JAGATH Leanage Friday, 28 October 2016 06:22 AM

We dont care what one talk , but are very much aware what is happening surrounding us.

NGOK Friday, 28 October 2016 06:16 AM

NGO's didn't break glass doors of the night clubs.

Burt Friday, 28 October 2016 05:06 AM

Patriotism is the last refuge of a scoundrels. Country is going to hell in a hand basket.

SL-Wallah Friday, 28 October 2016 03:17 AM

Thank you Mr. President for a brave statement you have made. You are mentioning/imply that NGOs are main hindrances to the national security of the country which is very right. I hope the United Nations heard this message loud and clear. Also, the United States of America that feed so many so called NGOs disguised behind it and work for the CIA and then also, Tamils have their own set of foreign NGO’s are out there working for the LTTE backed Tamil government in Exile where terrorist Ruderkumaran operates from the USA very freely and aided by funds from Tamil Diaspora and US intelligence. It is time that Armed force’s bases in troubled areas and all over are diligently maintained. It is strange that Wignaswaran is maintaining a low profile for the past few weeks – means he is up to some mischief.

Soldier Friday, 28 October 2016 03:03 AM

No need Gota as long as our war winning commander SF is there.

JeffK Friday, 28 October 2016 02:24 AM

Traitors ruled us through 1977-2005. Hope you dont chose the same path.

George Silva Friday, 28 October 2016 01:37 AM

Well said Mr. President. You are a great inspiration and hope for Sri Lanka. The NGO's and foreign forces are undermining the sovereignty. Even your Prime Minister can be swayed. So keep the defense ministry under your wing and consider bringing back Gotabaya if peace deteriorates in the north.

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President slams some NGOs, media, traitorous forces

Comments - 28

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