STF has a major role in countering extremism: Defence Secretary

Defence Secretary Maj.Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne said the Special Task Force (STF) has a major role to play in countering extremism and organised crimes, including drug mafia.

According to Defence.lk, the defence secretary expressed these views while addressing the STF troops during his maiden visit to STF headquarters since he assumed duties as the Defence Secretary.

Maj. Gen. Gunaratne commended the contribution given by the STF in maintaining national security and said the STF had consistently proved its talents and professionalism in counter-terrorism and busting drug trafficking.

The Defence Secretary said the STF, which is the elite force of the Police, would be in high demand not only as a law enforcement authority but also as a trained force in fighting against organised crimes.

The Defence Secretary was accompanied by the Acting IGP C.D Wickramaratne was received by the Commandant of the Special Task Force Senior DIG Lionel Gunathilake and was subsequently presented with a guard of honour.

Maj. Gen (Retd) Gunaratne’s visit to STF headquarters is the first visit made by an official in his capacity in the recent times, the website said.

Expressing his gratitude to over 700 STF personnel, who suffered severe injuries during the war against LTTE terrorism, he said the STF had kept a remarkable stride in Sri Lanka’s 30-year long war fighting with LTTE terrorism, in which many heroic men and women of the STF had sacrificed with their lives and limbs.

The Defence Secretary, who recalled his three-decade long experience as a decorated military officer, said the STF troops were specially trained soldiers who had demonstrated their professionalism as an elite force during the war and also pronounced their lethality and efficiency in the ongoing fight against drugs and narcotics.

Maj.Gen. Gunaratne also highlighted the importance of uniting all intelligence agencies, which worked in isolation during the last regime, under the instructions of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to revive the network to maintain the national security.

He expressed his gratitude to late Ravi Jayewardene who was instrumental in founding the STF back in 1984.