by Steve A. Morrell

The Industrial Security Foundation (ISF), an umbrella organization, was formed to ensure security to both public and private institutions in the commercial sector.

The ISF is a recognized security wing convened as an essential adjunct to general security services and is in place through an Act of Parliament. It is officially recognized as the fourth security level after the armed forces and police. The organization was formed to ensure round the clock security to economic undertakings of all financial establishments.

Former ISF president, Lalith Bandaranayake, said the organization was formed 45 years ago as a vital component to provide security to various financial institutions as it was considered impractical for the government alone to shoulder the task due to existing limitations.

“The ISF has been recognized as an indispensable service organization in the sphere of protecting commercial institutions”, he told a news conference in Colombo last week.

Bandaranayake said that when taking into consideration the number of public and private companies, it was not an over estimation to say that billions of rupees come under the protective custody of ISF personnel on a regular routine.

The ISF comprises retired security personnel who guide its functions in conjunction with each establishment. Banks, both state and private, are within its protective wing. Additionally, key installations, for example Rupavahini, ITN and many other important organizations are within ISF’s protective network.

Asked by the media on the use of firearms in the line of duty, and the instance of a bank being burgled resulting in the death of a security officer, he said the unfortunate incident was promptly brought under control through police intervention.

“Such risks are expected”, the former ISF president stressed.

There are 450 security organizations under the wing of the ISF, Bandaranayake outlined, while conceding that there are many other similar security entities not recognized by the organization also operating in the country.

The ISF ensured the protection of its workforce, who are mostly former security personnel. They retired at 55 years, but are active to be on duty and functioned as required, he noted.

He cited the example of one such person, who was given Rs. 1.5 million in compensation after he was injured in the line of duty. Similarly, their welfare measures included distribution of free school books to children of their families.

Training in operative security is part of persons recruited. Additionally, the ISF is now considering extending training to degree level to fit into jobs within the sphere. This is in addition to their physical attributes, said Tony Perera, ISF general secretary.

Major (retd.) Ravi Jayasuriya explained the background of ISF’s functions. He said honesty, integrity, vigilance, creativity and innovation were all aspects of each person trained before being appointed to a position as part of the security team.

Major (retd.) Tilak Senanayake, Consultant Media and Training, also addressed the news conference.