News
‘ISF is a recognized service organization in protecting commercial institutions’ – Lalith Bandaranayake
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.
President Anura Kumara Dissanayake visited the “Ranaviru Sevana” Rehabilitation Centre in Ragama this morning (19) and inquired into the well-being of military personnel receiving residential treatment there.
During the visit, the President engaged in cordial discussions with the soldiers and commended the sacrifices made by all of them in safeguarding the unity of the motherland.
Thereafter, President Dissanayake also held discussions with the medical staff, including doctors serving at the “Ranaviru Sevana” Rehabilitation Centre, and looked into the possibility of further improving medical and other welfare facilities available for the military personnel undergoing treatment.
Minister of Science and Technology Professor Chrishantha Abeysena, Deputy Minister of Labour Mahinda Jayasinghe, Secretary to the Ministry of Defence Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retired), Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Lasantha Rodrigo, Director of Ranaviru Services and Rehabilitation of the Sri Lanka Army Brigadier R.G.L.K. Weerakoon, and Chairman of the Ranaviru Seva Authority Brigadier Senarath Kohona (Retired) were among those who attended the occasion.
(PMD)
An opposition grouping alleged yesterday (18) that the Commission to Investigate Allegations of Bribery or Corruption (CIABOC) had become a political tool in the hands of the JVP/NPP to suppress the Opposition both in and outside Parliament.
Former Minister Prof. G. L. Peiris accused the CIABOC of fabricating cases against political opponents by manipulating those summoned. He tore into the institution, alleging that it drove people to suicide.
Addressing the media at the former President Ranil Wickremesinghe’s Flower Road office, Prof. Peiris alleged that former SriLankan Airlines CEO, Kapila Chandrasena, had been a victim of that despicable strategy. Director General of CIABOC, ex-High Court Judge Ranga Dissanayake, had warned Chandrasena of dire consequences unless the latter fully cooperated with the Commission, Prof. Peiris said.
Prof. Peiris emphasised the responsibility on the part of all concerned to examine Chandrasena’s affidavit regarding the intervention made by the Director General.
Chandrasena committed suicide while being on bail in connection with an investigation into the alleged USD 2 mn bribe to facilitate an Airbus deal during the second term of President Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Prof. Peiris alleged that the CIABOC Director General had taken control of the Commission and was pursuing an agenda inimical to the law. (SF)
News
Over 5,000 military personnel promoted to coincide with 17th anniversary of victory over terrorism
In line with the 17th National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day, which falls on 19 May, a total of 5,289 Tri Service personnel have been granted promotions to their next respective ranks in recognition of their dedicated service rendered to the nation, the Defence Ministry announced.
The National War Heroes’ Commemoration Day is commemorated annually on 19 May to honour and appreciate the invaluable sacrifices and exemplary service of members of the Tri Forces who contributed immensely towards restoring peace and safeguarding the sovereignty of the motherland.
Accordingly, these promotions have been awarded, based on the recommendations of the respective Service Commanders, and in accordance with the established administrative procedures of the Tri Forces.
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