Eradicating major crimes successful: Maj. Gen. Gunaratne

Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Rtd) Kamal Gunaratne said today that they were successful in eradicating organized crimes, narcotic waves, extortion and underworld activities in the country.

Assuming duties as the Secretary to the Internal Security, Home Affairs and Disaster Management State Ministry during a ceremony held at the Ministry in Narahenpita, he said that they were also able to curb corruption within the prisons.

"We were able to curb the wide-spreading waves of organized crime as well as drugs, extortion and the activities of the underworld in the country which were largely going in the wrong direction. Today we have been able to steer the society in the right direction and that we have reaped great success so far. ” he said.

The secretary said he would look forward to continuing to achieve such success and to create an environment where the people and the future generation could live in peace, secure and dignity.

“In the case of any disaster, steps will be taken to manage and control such disasters by deploying appropriate personnel to appropriate positions and at the appropriate time,” Gunaratne said.

Minister Chamal Rajapaksa, Army Commander Shavendra Silva and heads of the Institutions and Departments, Divisional Secretaries and Police officers were also present at the ceremony.(Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)