Sri Lankan security personnel to join UN peacekeeping missions

Between 750 and 1,000 members of the Sri Lanka Police and Army gained the opportunity to join United Nations peacekeeping forces, according to Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Sampath Thuyacontha. He noted that discussions regarding the deployment of these personnel to Haiti reached an advanced stage, with the process expected to conclude within the next two to three months. The Defence Secretary shared these details while speaking to the media after receiving blessings from the Mahanayaka Theros of the Malwaththa and Asgiri chapters yesterday (02).

Regarding internal security, he stated that drug trafficking previously operated freely in the country for a long time under the patronage of certain powerful individuals. He emphasised that such activities no longer occur as authorities systematically control the situation. The Police and Tri-Forces work together to eradicate the drug trade, with the Navy currently conducting active operations and arrests. The Ministry of Public Security provides maximum support for this initiative.

Organised criminals and those involved in drug networks face systematic arrest, including those who fled abroad. The Defence Secretary mentioned that the public will soon witness the return of these overseas criminals to the country as operations continue. He assured that all masterminds behind these crimes will face legal action. Furthermore, he acknowledged a personnel shortage within the security forces and stated that strategic measures are underway to minimise the impact. Addressing rumors, he clarified that he holds no intention of serving as a Member of Parliament and dismissed such reports as completely false.