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.
Gen. Nakatani, Minister of Defense of Japan paid a courtesy call on Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya, at Temple Trees today [May 4].
The discussion took place in the spirit of long-standing bilateral friendship and focused on strengthening cooperation between Japan and Sri Lanka, particularly in the areas of defense and regional security. Minister Nakatani extended his congratulations to the Prime Minister on behalf of the Government of Japan and reaffirmed Japan’s commitment to collaborative efforts in ensuring peace and stability across the Indo-Pacific region.
He also emphasized Sri Lanka’s strategic importance in maritime security and regional connectivity.
Prime Minister Amarasuriya expressed appreciation for Japan’s continued support through development partnerships, especially via the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). She reiterated the government’s commitment to transparency, economic reform, and national transformation.
The Prime Minister also shared the government’s vision for evolving the role of Sri Lanka’s security forces to include responsibilities such as climate response, humanitarian assistance, and maritime protection. The meeting further explored opportunities in trade, investment, and tourism, with both parties agreeing to deepen engagement across five key sectors.
The Ambassador of Japan to Sri Lanka, and senior officials from both governments participated in the meeting.
[Prime Minister’s Media Division]
President Anura Kumara Disanayake departed for Vietnam.
The visit is taking place at the invitation of the President of Vietnam from May 4 to 6, 2025.
During the visit, President Disanayake is scheduled to hold bilateral discussions with both the President and the Prime Minister of Vietnam. He will also meet with the General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and other senior officials.
On May 6, the President will attend the official opening ceremony of the United Nations Vesak Day celebrations in Ho Chi Minh City as the Chief guest and will also deliver the keynote address.
In addition, the visit is expected to include the signing of several bilateral agreements and engagement with the Vietnamese business community to further enhance economic cooperation between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism, Vijitha Herath, along with a delegation of senior government officials, is accompanying the President on this important visit.
[PMD]
Latest News
The Heat index is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Monaragala and Hambantota districts.
Warm Weather Advisory
Issued by the Natural Hazards Early Warning Centre of the Department of Meteorology at 3.30 p.m. 03 May 2025, valid for 04 May 2025.
The public re warned that the Heat index, the temperature felt on human body is likely to increase up to ‘Caution level’ at some places in Eastern, Northern, North-central and North-western provinces and in Monaragala and Hambantota districts.
The Heat Index Forecast is calculated by using relative humidity and maximum temperature and this is the condition that is felt on your body. This is not the forecast of maximum temperature. It is generated by the Department of Meteorology for the next day period and prepared by using global numerical weather prediction model data.
Effect of the heat index on human body is mentioned in the above table and it is prepared on the advice of the Ministry of Health and Indigenous Medical Services.
ACTION REQUIRED
Job sites: Stay hydrated and takes breaks in the shade as often as possible.
Indoors: Check up on the elderly and the sick.
Vehicles: Never leave children unattended.
Outdoors: Limit strenuous outdoor activities, find shade and stay hydrated.
Dress: Wear lightweight and white or light-colored clothing.
Note:
In addition, please refer to advisories issued by the Disaster Preparedness & Response Division, Ministry of Health in this regard as well. For further clarifications please contact 011-7446491.
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