President convenes first meeting of National Security Review Committee

• PM, Opposition Leader, Speaker, religious leaders among those in attendance
• Monthly meeting will assess progress of security programs 
• Inaugural discourse

President Maithripala Sirisena has decided to summon a meeting monthly to review the progress of the tasks implemented to strengthen the country’s national security while obtaining the ideas and suggestions of all the parties as well as their assistance.

The first meeting of the Committee was held at the Presidential Secretariat on Friday under the patronage of President Sirisena with the participation of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya and Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa.

All religious leaders, senior ministers, governors of provinces, party leaders and representatives, university vice chancellors, professors and experts, Secretary to the President Udaya R. Seneviratne, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence, and Chief of Defence Staff, Commanders of the Tri- Forces , the Acting IGP and Defence Heads also participated in the discussion.

According to a Government statement, the participants praised the President for taking steps to mitigate the recent adverse situation in the country within a short period of time and expressed their appreciation to the President for initiating the series of dialogues, creating a platform to present the ideas, suggestions as well as allegations of all parties, adding that it is a timely step.

Expressing his views, the President said even though the terrorist activities were ended in Sri Lanka, it is of utmost importance to be continuously vigilant regarding the national security of the country, when considering the experiences faced by other countries in the world regarding this terrorist organisation.

The President emphasised that the assistance of all parties are required in strengthening the national security of the country when considering the international conditions.

He said the committee meeting is expected to be held monthly and any shortcomings and weaknesses of national security and ideas regarding those shortcomings can be presented during the meeting. He further said the committee is open to present ideas, proposals, issues and allegations.

Expressing his views, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya said that he had the opportunity to hold discussions with foreign ambassadors in the past few days and said that they are satisfied with the present security situation of the country. Accordingly, the Speaker said that they will take steps to swiftly remove the travel restrictions imposed by some countries for tourists visiting the country and that the tourist industry would be restored within a short period of time.

The Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapaksa, addressing the gathering, stressed the importance of unity among all irrespective of political differences when working towards ensuring the national security of the country.

The Chairman of United National Party Kabir Hashim pointed out the importance of controlling the media and the social media regarding this incident.

The Leader of the Tamil National Alliance R. Sampanthan expressing his views commended the support given by the security forces to all the citizens.

Dr. Sarath Amunugama said that there is a need for a broad investigation regarding the ways of financial flows to the terrorists as well as the circulation of that money and how they obtain weapons.

The Mahanayake of the Sri Kalyani Samagri Dhamma Sabha, Kotte Dr. Iththepane Dhammalankara Thero said that in this instance the role that has to be played by all the religious leaders in the country is vital and all of them have a full responsibility in ensuring the national unity of the country.

The President of the All Ceylon Jamiyyathul Ulama M.I.M. Rizvi Moulavi expressing his views said that the country should come first for all and everyone should be committed to provide any kind of support to the country.

The Governors also expressed their views, stating they believe establishing civil security committees instead of community police units in a stronger and comprehensive manner will provide more service in the task of ensuring national security.

Speaking at the event, President Maithripala Sirisena said that he will pay broad attention regarding all these issues and, these facts will be discussed at the National Security Council and will take steps to implement them through a systematic program.

Director General of the National Institute of Security Studies Asanga Abeyagoonasekera explained the programs including the enactment of new legislation for the prevention of false news.

Heads of Security Divisions including the Tri-Forces Commanders also expressed their view and presented details on the steps taken to prevent the terrorist activities while obtaining the assistance of international intelligence services, as these terrorists attacks were linked with an international terrorist organisation.