Def. Sec. says threat levels considerably reduced

Friday, 28 June 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Addresses statement to all concerned citizens & foreign nationals
Assures immediate threat levels considerably reduced
Security measures will remain in place with better coordination between MOD & other security agencies
Sri Lanka’s fight is not against any single community, Def. Sec. emphasises

Secretary of Defence General Shantha Kottegoda (Retd) yesterday issued a statement addressed to all concerned citizens of the country as well as foreign nationals, saying threat levels have been “considerably reduced” and the immediate threat of terrorist attacks post-21 April has been averted.

“The immediate threat assessment was concluded by security forces professionals of this country under my directive, and they opined that the threat levels have been considerably reduced. Hence, the immediate threat foreseen subsequent to the Easter Day attacks have been averted,” the Defence Secretary said in the statement.

This however did not imply that security measures have been relaxed in any way, he said, adding that on the contrary, the MOD is diligently working with the armed forces, Police Department and both local and foreign intelligence services to ensure that all information is monitored, assessed and actions are implemented where necessary .

“We are faced with the task of battling a non-traditional form of terrorism, and this terrorism has been and continues to be a global threat,” the statement said.

He also spelled out more specific measures that have been taken to strengthen the intelligence services under the purview of the new Chief of National Intelligence (CNI), with stringent measures taken to counter traditional and non-traditional national security threats.

The Defense Secretary also emphasised that the Sri Lanka’s fight is not against any single community, but is against terrorism, and that which tries to create disharmony amongst people.