National Security "occupies the foremost place" in Govt. policy - President

National security "occupies the foremost place," in the new Government, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa told Parliament today (3). 

By Sandun Jayawardana

National security "occupies the foremost place," in the new Government, President Gotabaya Rajapaksa told Parliament today (3). 

Making his policy statement after the inauguration of the fourth session of the eighth Parliament this morning, President Rajapaksa stated that the Government has already taken steps to strengthen the national security apparatus. 

"Talented officers have been given appropriate responsibilities again. We have taken steps to ensure proper coordination between the Armed Forces and the Police, who are collectively responsible for maintaining national security. The network of national intelligence agencies has been reorganized and strengthened," he told MPs. 

He further pledged that the Government would take all necessary steps to make Sri Lanka a safe country, free of terrorism, extremism, underworld activities, theft and robbery, extortionists, the drug menace, disruptors of public order, and the abuse of women and children.

Outlining the Government's vision to develop the country, Mr Rajapaksa said it should ensure that the benefits of development reach every group of people. Eliminating poverty is a priority for the Government, he remarked. He also noted that the Government has made plans to find employment for 100, 000 young men and women from low income families within the next month. 

"My Government is prepared to present practical solutions to resolve unemployment, with the public sector and the private sector working together," he stressed.

"Our target is to make Sri Lanka a developed country. It must be a sovereign, independent nation. Also, it must be a safe, and a peaceful country. Sri Lanka will be a prosperous nation only when all of these are achieved," the President further emphasized.