News
SPEAT Force to deal with issues in prisons in a more transparent manner
A new unit ‘Sri Lanka Prisons Emergency Action and Tactical Force’ (SPEAT Force) has been established to address corruption and misconduct in prisons and to deal with those issues in a more transparent manner, Defence Secretary and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force to build a Secure, Disciplined, Virtuous and Lawful Society Gen. Kamal Gunaratne said on Wednesday (26).
The Defence Secretary said the prison system had to be reformed and their intelligence units would be brought under the directives of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in keeping with the National Policy Framework, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’.
Gen. Gunaratne made these statements at the inaugural Passing Out parade ceremony of the ‘SPEAT Force’ as the Chief Guest at the Centre for Research and Training in Corrections at the Angunakolapelessa Prison. 194 new members were absorbed into the ‘SPEAT Force’.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Guest said plans were afoot to enlist 500 personnel into SPEAT Force “This force consists of former tri-forces members who have been discharged from the service after completing their initial engagement, following an unblemished service. We envisage to thwart corruption and misconduct and to control issues in the prison system in a more transparent manner” he said elaborating the purpose of the move.
Addressing the newly passed out SPEAT Force members he added that they were recruited and trained owing to their discipline, courage and dedication. “Therefore execute your work in a humanitarian approach strengthened with self-discipline when dealing with prison inmates. It is also a part of your duty to assist to transform these inmates to be useful citizens before they re-enter the society after completing their jail term”, he said.
Chief of National Intelligence Maj. Gen. Ruwan Kulathunga (retd), Additional Commissioner General of Prisons Thusitha Uduwara, Commissioner of Prisons (Administration, Rehabilitation and Skills Development) and Media Spokesman Chandana Ekanayake, Commissioner of Prisons (Supplies and Services) Sunil Kodithuwakku, Commissioner of Prisons (Industries and Development) Malin Liyanage, Superintendent of Prisons (Director-Training) Senaka Pallethanna, Commanding Officer of the SPEAT Force Asst. Superintendent of Prisons Prasad Premathilake, senior military officers and distinguished invitees were also present at the event.
Prime Munister Dr Harini Amarasuriya returned to the island this (23rd) morning after attending the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland,
The Sri Lanka Navy successfully conducted a diving operation on 19 Jan 26 to inspect and restore the sluice gate of the Bomburuella Reservoir.
Acting on a request from the Department of Irrigation, the Sri Lanka Navy deployed a specialized diving team from the Western Naval Command, for the urgent requirement.
Through concerted effort, the Navy divers successfully cleared accumulated debris, including a significant quantity of wooden fragments, which had impeded the sluice gate mechanism.
Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya held a series of high-level bilateral meetings on Wednesday [January 21] on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, engaging with representatives of the European Union, the United Nations Development Programme, and the global private sector.
The Prime Minister met with Hadja Lahbib, European Commissioner for Preparedness and Crisis Management. During the meeting, she expressed Sri Lanka’s appreciation for the support extended by the European Union and its member states following Cyclone Ditwa. The Prime Minister also briefed the Commissioner on the key findings of the World Bank’s GRADE report and requested continued EU support for Sri Lanka’s development and recovery efforts.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya also met with Alexander De Croo, representing the United Nations Development Programme. She expressed appreciation for the longstanding partnership between Sri Lanka and the United Nations and acknowledged the UN’s support in flood relief and livelihood assistance. The Prime Minister noted that, following the mandate received at the parliamentary election, the government is focused on meeting public expectations through national rebuilding grounded in public trust and good governance. She further reaffirmed the Government of Sri Lanka’s commitment to strengthening social protection systems and safeguarding vulnerable communities.
In addition, the Prime Minister met with Robert M. Uggla, Chairman of A.P. Moller Holding. The discussion focused on engagement with the private sector and potential areas of collaboration.
These meetings reflected Sri Lanka’s continued engagement with international partners and global stakeholders to support recovery, development, and long-term economic stability.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
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