Permanent army divisions in each district

By Ramesh Warallegama | Lakbima News
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A decision has been taken to establish at least one army division and an STF camp permanently in each district, said Army Commander Major General Jagath Jayasuriya yesterday at Anuradhapura.

He was speaking at the Sri Lanka Army flag blessing ceremony held in Anuradhapura and said that the plan to increase the presence of military personnel in the south is a part of the new national security arrangement conceptualized by Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa. “The army is set to take over the security of the East from the STF and one army division will be permanently stationed in each district. As a first step, a division will be established in Hambanthota, 12th division, to undertake new security challenges,” he said.

With this move the police will have the backing of the STF and the army to control any unrest. The army also plans to withdraw from government and private buildings they were currently occupying by December 2010 to establish permanent bases.

“The Chinese government has granted us 981 pre-constructed buildings and soldiers are to be stationed in them by early next year. The army will commence military training courses for foreign students from January, 5, 2011 at Commando School, Special Forces Academy, Sniper Training School and at the Maduruoya Training Centre,” he added. Four batches will be taken in for training.

The Army expects participants from India, Pakistan, USA and Bangladesh. The Sri Lanka Army flag blessing ceremony was held for the 61st time at the Sri Maha Bodhi in Anuradhapura.

© Lakbima News