NEW DEFENCE SECRETARY READY TO OVERCOME THREATS TO NATIONAL SECURITY

New Defence Secretary assuming duties would enable to overcome such challenges, Kapila Waidyaratne said assuming duties as the new Defence Secretary.

Though threats to national security are unavoidable, prior knowledge and preparedness

It was a privilege to be involve in the implementation of security policy for national security and act to ensure the welfare of war heroes

He said he would contribute his utmost towards national reconciliation and sustainable peace programme carried out by the government.

Mr. Waidyaratne said he expected the support and unity of all members of the staff to face these challenges.

The newly appointed Secretary assumed office after a ceremony held at the Ministry yesterday.

He stressed that it was a privilege to be involve in the implementation of security policy for national security and act to ensure the welfare of war heroes.

Kapila Waidyaratne, a former Deputy Solicitor General who was appointed as the Secretary to the Ministry of Defence by President Maithripala Sirisena, expressed his gratitude to the President for appointing him as the defence secretary and said he would serve the interest of the country and national security.

He said the new position would allow him to make use of the years of experience in the legal field to ensure lasting peace in the country and take every possible step to ensure national security.

Additional Secretaries, CDS, Army and Air Force commanders, Chief of Staff of Navy, senior Ministry officials, heads of institutions under the purview of the Ministry and members of the staff were present at the ceremony.

Meanwhile, outgoing Defence Secretary Karunasena Hettiarachchi speaking at the ceremony held at the ministry to bid farewell to the staff, requested those present to serve for the betterment of the people and be innovative in their workplace.

He also stressed the importance of continuing with the initiatives that have been taken by the Ministry for the betterment of national security.

The ceremony was held under the patronage of State Minister of Defence Ruwan Wijewardene.