I AM UNABLE TO PROTECT THOSE FOUND GUILTY OF KILLING MEDIA PERSONS OR SPORTSMEN: MS
„Govt. will protect war heroes who fought for Motherland „Unable to protect those guilty of killing media persons or sportsmen
President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday said he was unable to protect those who are found guilty of acts that are not connected to the national security and those who are guilty of killing media persons or sportsmen.
He emphasized that he would always take the fullest responsibility on behalf of any problem face by the officers, staff members and war heroes who fought against the LTTE.
He made this statement at the opening of the newly constructed three-storeyed building at the Defence Services School in Kurunegala. The President presented ‘Virisara’ beneficial cards to war heroes at the function held yesterday.
The President, pointing out that it was the responsibility and duty of the government to protect the war heroes who fought for the Motherland, assured that he would always fulfil his responsibility as the President and Defence Minister.
While there is an unprecedented goodwill for Sri Lanka among the international community today and many people question as to what benefit could be derived to the country from this, President Sirisena said. “We are utilizing that goodwill and friendship for the protection of the honour and respect of our war heroes,” he said. He added that the most powerful world leaders have assured him that they would stand by Sri Lanka’s independence and democracy as well as on issues pertaining to the members of armed forces. The President emphasized that he would always take the fullest responsibility on behalf of any problem faced by the officers, staff members and war heroes who fought the LTTE.
He said that however, he was unable to protect those who are found guilty of acts that were not connected to the national security and those who were guilty of killing media personnnel or sportsmen. When President Sirisena arrived at the Defence Services School in Kurunegala, he was warmly received by the students. The President unveiled the plaque to vest the new building with the students of the school and presented prizes to outstanding students and those who excelled in Year 5 Scholarship Examination. Later he inspected the building and its facilities. The Defence Services School also offer courses to teach English to the students selected to universities and vocational training. Ministers Anura Priyadarshana Yapa, S B Navinna, Dayasiri Jayasekera, Akila Viraj Kariyawasam, Wayamba Chief Minister Dharmasiri Dasanayake, Governor Amara Piyaseeli Ratnayake, Service chiefs, Inspector General of Police, Principal D A Ratnayake and teachers, staff members and parents of the students of the school participated at this ceremony.