Govt.’s duty is security, not show: President on recent terror threat

Tuesday, 29 October 2024 03:05 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake

Says rivals appear to believe that even a small incident could lead to a Govt. collapse
Stresses Govt., on receiving information, took meticulous steps to ensure safety of tourists, continuity of tourism while arresting those connected to plot
Emphasises Govt. duty is to be informed of potential threats and ensure public safety, not to host press conferences

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Sunday countered Opposition criticism related to national security and recent intelligence reports of a potential terrorist threat targeting Israeli tourists in Sri Lanka.

“Our rivals have become overly excited. They seem to believe that even a small incident could lead to the Government’s collapse. As soon as there were reports of a possible terrorist attack, they eagerly held press conferences, almost celebrating the idea that something might be going wrong and anticipating a collapse,” President Dissanayake told a National People’s Power (NPP) rally in Kalutara.

He went on to explain that his administration had received information about the threat several weeks in advance and took meticulous steps to ensure the safety of tourists and the continuity of tourism, arresting individuals connected to the plot. “We acted decisively and fostered confidence in the nation’s security. This is how a Government should operate,” he said.

Addressing rival complaints about the lack of public disclosure on the threat, President Dissanayake clarified: “The Government’s duty is to be informed of potential threats and ensure public safety and not to host press conferences. ”

“Our responsibility is to take preventive measures if there is information about possible dangers, and that is exactly what we have done,” he noted.

President Dissanayake affirmed that the Government remains steadfast, despite Opposition efforts to destabilise it. “This Government cannot be brought down by minor incidents. We are focused on rebuilding this nation, and we will not falter,” he said.