Colombo: The Sri Lankan government has urged its security forces to remain vigilant of groups both within and outside the country who may attempt to destabilise the peace, following 30 years of civil war.
Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa said that even though the 30-year-long war has ended, it was the primary duty of all military personnel to ensure continued security and stability of the country, Xinhua reported, citing the Defence Ministry.
He said that although the military will not be engaging in any offensive operations, it was essential that the duties they perform in a passive role prevent regrouping of terrorists as well as the emergence of new threats.
"We know that there are remnants of the LTTE still operating outside Sri Lanka, and there are others even within Sri Lanka who may try to destabilise the peace. It is very important that we remain vigilant about such threats," Rajapaksa said.
"We must ensure that peace and stability continues, enabling us to build a better future for all Sri Lankans," he said.
Rajapaksa, the brother of President Mahinda Rajapaksa, said that since the end of the war in 2009, the government has done a great deal of work to bring back peace and stability in the island nation.
He said that a difficult task of removing land mines in the war battered northern region has almost been completed.
By July, around 300,000 war displaced people who were in temporary camps have been resettled.
IANS
First Published: Sunday, August 05, 2012, 15:45