Government has ensured national security since taking office: Deputy Defence Minister

By Ranjith Rajapaksa

Colombo, July 11 (Daily Mirror) - The government has maintained national security at the highest level since assuming office, adding that while there had been occasional public security issues, they had now been resolved, Deputy Defence Minister Aruna Jayasekara said.

He made these remarks at the Nawalapitiya and Kotmale Tripartite Collective Electoral Conference held at the National People's Power (NPP) Coordination Office in Nawalapitiya, attended by Kandy District MP Thushari Jayasinghe, Nuwara Eliya District MP Anushka Thilakaratne, and party supporters.

Jayasekara said the government was committed to governing in accordance with the Constitution and democratic principles, while accusing the opposition of opposing the NPP government's initiatives. He also said matters relating to the appointment of the Commissioner General of Prisons and the re-establishment of the Bogambara Prison would be addressed by the government, adding that a further statement would be issued in the coming days.

Referring to the recent Negombo Prison incident, the Deputy Minister said it was inappropriate for the media to make comments while investigations were still underway.

Meanwhile, MP Anushka Thilakaratne rejected opposition claims that public confidence had been lost in the Justice Minister, arguing that it was the opposition that had lost the people's trust.

He also defended the government's programme to establish 500 tea villages, saying concerns raised by sections of the hill country community had been addressed through practical measures. 

He cited progress in drug prevention, disaster management and efforts to strengthen national unity, adding that the government would continue to work with the public despite the challenges.