Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka has voiced strong opposition to the closure of military camps in strategic areas of the Northern Province and the opening of roads through high-security zones, warning that such moves pose serious risks to national security
Speaking on the BIG FOCUS programme aired on Derana TV, the former Army Commander highlighted several shortcomings in the current security strategy in the Northern and Eastern regions.
He expressed concern over recent discussions about scaling down the military presence in the North and easing restrictions in sensitive areas.
“I cannot approve, as a former military officer, the closure of camps in key locations or the opening of roads through the highly secure Palaly base in Jaffna. This is not just a military issue. It is a matter of national security,” he said.
He emphasized that confining the military strictly within existing camps would be a dangerous approach.
“We must not assume that extremist elements within the diaspora, even in countries like Canada, cannot radicalize or dispatch suicide bombers into the region,” he said.
Referencing the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings led by Zahran Hashim, Fonseka warned that Sri Lanka could once again be forced to establish numerous military camps if similar attacks were to occur.
“Such a regression would come at a great cost. It is our responsibility to ensure that these threats are prevented before they materialize,” he added.
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