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UNF Defence Board in the offing as The latest move is also through a new draft Higher Defence Control Act that seeks to set up a Defence Board under the Minister of Defence for defence management and implementation of defence policy. Currently, in accordance with the Constitution, these are matters overseen by the President who is Commander-in-Chief. The Government's legal advisors have said that the latest draft law, in their opinion, does not contravene provisions of the Constitution. Hence, the UNF wants to introduce it in Parliament on a priority basis. The Government move comes in the backdrop of rising complaints of deteriorating levels of preparedness by the security forces. Whilst desertions have risen during the 19 month long ceasefire and recruitment drives have fallen below expected levels, there have also been delays in provision of equipment to the Army, Navy and Air Force. In marked contrast, the LTTE has continued to build its military machine during the ceasefire by recruiting, training and inducting new military hardware. An incident in Indonesia last week has given rise to fears that the LTTE may be delaying the submission of its proposals for the continuation of the peace talks until more shipments of military hardware arrive. A guerrilla cadre on board an LTTE vessel committed suicide whilst in an Indonesian port. The vessel has been identified as "Agasthi." Reports reaching Colombo spoke of the vessel being loaded with long range artillery shells, mortars and surface to surface missiles among other items of military hardware. However, inquiries to ascertain the facts will not be possible now. Both the body of the guerrilla, said to have been in possession of a forged Bangladeshi passport and the vessel, have been released. Reports reaching Colombo said vast sums of money had changed hands before the release took place. See Situation Report by Iqbal Athas for full story |
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