STF has made their presence felt in the east - Ranaviraja by Harischandra Gunaratna

Government has taken a decision to sanction the recruitment of 2500 cadres to be trained as commandoes in the Special Task Force (STF) for which the treasury has allocated funds, said Tilak Ranaviraja , Secretary to the Ministry of Internal Security yesterday. We have also looked in to the short comings faced by the STF, particularly procurement of sophisticated arms which is an immediate necessity for the commandoes and President Chandrika Kumaratunga has assured that priority will be given to fulfil these requirements, he said. I salute the STF for the exemplary role played by them during the last two decades as a para military unit of the police. The Special Task Force (STF) has performed a tremendous job in providing security and defending the nation from the enemy, sacrificing their lives and limbs. They have played in special role where national security is concerned and assisting the police in the operational areas," Ranaviraja said adding that the police commandoes have made their presence felt very much in the operational areas in the East .

Ranaviraja explaining the increasing crime rate in the country said plans are afoot to seek the assistance of the STF to bust crime which has reached alarming proportions. He expressed his confidence in the STF saying that "With the type of training the knowledge and skills you have acquired you could help police reduce the crime rate in the country."

The government will provide all assistance to achieve your goal and meet your dedicated theme " victory assured," he said.

The Secretary to the Ministry of Internal Security inspecting a guard of honour accorded by the STF commandos at the S4:02 PM headquarters yesterday. On his right is STF Commandant DIG Nimal Lewke.