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.