Strengthen intelligence to restore normalcy: SLPP

• Says security main need to foster public and economic confidence 

By Nuwan Senarathna

The most important step to returning normalcy to Sri Lanka is to strengthen intelligence agencies, the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) said yesterday, calling on the Government to release all intelligence officials from investigations as a first step to bolstering confidence in the intelligence community.

Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) Chairman Prof. G.L Peiris

MP Rohitha Abeygunawardena

MP Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena

Easter Sunday attacks had impacted Sri Lanka deeply, the SLPP said, pointing out renewed confidence in the economy or day to day life could only be fostered by having confidence in the intelligence agencies that future attacks would be effectively detected and prevented. SLPP Chairman Prof. G.L Peiris said at a media briefing held at party headquarters that the Government could not re-establish national security without the support of intelligence services.

He noted Easter Sunday attack had dented the confidence of investors and the business community that could lead to serious consequences. Prof. Peiris also argued that the confidence of the intelligence officers had also been dented due to investigations over the last four years. He claimed intelligence officers that were arrested had the competence to gather much-needed information to counter terrorism and prevent a further attack that could damage the country’s entire economy.

“This attack completely turned the entire economy upside down. There was a number of business giants who showed an interest in investing in Sri Lanka but all of that was ruined in a split second.”

Prof. Peiris said the attacks had halted economic activities for days in the country. He pointed out that if the Government fails to build the confidence of the public to engage in their daily activities, the county would not be able to come out from the prevailing situation.

Referring to the arrest of intelligence officers, Prof. Peiris charged most of the intelligent officers were arrested based on political motives. However, he acknowledged SLPP would not oppose if anyone was arrested on strong evidence to prove that the intelligence officer was involved in criminal activities.

“If the Government releases intelligence officers who have been arrested without direct, clear and hard evidence to prove their charges that could boost the confidence of State intelligence officers,” he said. 

According to Prof. Peiris, arresting intelligence officers had led to fear and frustration among members of the intelligence services, which had undermined their efficiency.

“Actions of the Government led the intelligence officers to think that if they are committed to their duty they might end up in a prison. Therefore they were discouraged to gather vital information related to national security,” he added.

However, the Government has repeatedly denied that investigations had resulted in mass confidence issues among the intelligence services, pointing out that only four officials were in remand and even they had specific charges against them related to abductions and killings. Others were out on bail, and United National Party (UNP) members emphasize that Sri Lanka has over a 1000 intelligence officers. 

Pix by Lasantha Kumara