President Anura Kumara Dissanayake on Thursday revealed that recent investigations have uncovered deep-seated underworld infiltration within the highest echelons of official bodies responsible for public security. He made these remarks while addressing the first Ministerial Consultative Committee meeting of the Defence Ministry at the parliamentary complex.

President Dissanayake assured that decisive measures would be taken to dismantle the underworld’s grip on public security institutions in the near future. “Investigations have disclosed that underworld activities have infiltrated certain individuals within official institutions responsible for ensuring public safety,” he said, underlining the urgency of the issue.

The meeting also saw discussions on the security of court complexes across the country. Justice and National Integration Minister Harshana Nanayakkara informed the committee that a proposal has been formulated to enhance security measures in court premises. He noted that the plan includes the adoption of modern technology and a thorough examination of all parties, including lawyers, to bolster security.

Additionally, the issue of lands occupied by military forces in the Northern and Eastern Provinces was raised by MPs, with concerns regarding their return to original owners. Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal (Retd) Sampath Thuyacontha stated that a comprehensive reassessment would be conducted, not just for lands in the North and East but across the entire country where tri-forces maintain a presence. He assured that appropriate decisions would be taken following the evaluation.

Among those present at the event were Deputy Speaker Dr Rizvie Salih, Deputy Minister of Defence Major General (Retd.) Aruna Jayasekera, Chief of Staff and Deputy Secretary-General of Parliament Chaminda Kularatne, Ministers, Deputy Ministers, MPs, the heads of the tri-forces, officials from the Ministry of Defence and its affiliated institutions.