Sri Lanka’s

BY GOTABHAYA RAJAPAKSA

ri Lanka is one of the most peaceful and stable countries in the world today. Its citizens enjoy the benefits of peace and have complete freedom and countless opportunities to Sbuild better futures for themselves. At the same time, faces potential threats from various sources. Guarding against these threats and ensuring the safety of the nation is the first duty of the government, because national security is the foundation of freedom and prosperity. As such, the government needs to be fully aware of all the issues that impact the country in areas such as defense, foreign policy, economic affairs and internal law and order. It must formulate a comprehensive national security strategy to deal with them. A viable national security strategy must constantly align ends with means, goals with resources, and objectives with the tools required to accomplish them. The strategy needs to be aligned with the aspirations of the people, and it must have public support. Ideally, if compre- hensive security is to be ensured, it requires the achievement of national cohesion, political and economic stability, the elimination of terrorism, the countering of extremism, and the formulation of effective responses to external challenges. The government must make every effort to keep aware of a continually changing situation and take appropriate action in response to new developments and challenges. It is only then that the safety of the nation can be assured.

This article on Sri Lanka’s national security concerns examines the following areas: ■■ Sri Lanka’s overall national security context; ■■ The primary threats to Sri Lanka’s national security at present; and, ■■ The strategies being formulated in response to these threats.

The Context of National Security in Sri Lanka

In the early years of independence, national security did not need to be a primary concern of the government of Ceylon. As an independent dominion of , and as a non-aligned nation with excellent relationships within and outside the region, Ceylon faced few pressing threats. As a result, the attention given to national security was minimal, as was the emphasis placed on the

The Hon. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa assumed duties as Sri Lanka’s Secretary to the Ministry of Defense in November 2005 and continues in that role through the present.

PRISM 4, no. 4 FROM THE FIELD | 139 RAJAPAKSA country’s defense apparatus. The military was In the late 1970s, Sri Lanka saw the emer- largely ceremonial. It only had to assist the gence of the greatest threat to its sovereignty in government on occasions when there were the form of the terrorism of the Tamil separat- issues such as public sector work stoppages or ist groups in the North and East. As the con- riots. The need to strengthen law enforcement flict worsened in the early 1980s, particularly and the armed forces to protect the nation after the riots of 1983, the threat of terrorism against internal or external threats was not loomed large not only in the North and East seen as a pressing concern. The attempted but throughout the country. The rise of the coup d’état in 1962 further reduced the atten- Liberation Tigers of (LTTE), and tion given to the defense apparatus by the gov- the likelihood of its attacks in public places ernment. Fearing that a strong military would fostered a deep insecurity amongst the people. be a threat to democracy, as had been the case There was significant loss of life and of prop- in some neighboring countries during this erty, and economic development foundered. period, funding for the armed forces was dras- Instability grew as arms and ammunition tically reduced and recruitments curtailed. started to flow to criminal elements in the Ceylon’s weak military was not in a good underworld. By the late 1980s, the second JVP position to deal with the first threat to insurrection caused the further deterioration its national security, which came as the 1971 of the security situation throughout Sri Lanka. Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Insurrection The increasing instability and violence (also known as the 1971 Revolt). Although prompted more intrusive security measures. investigations into JVP activities had been As the terrorism situation worsened, there going on for some time, cutbacks to intelli- was also an increasing involvement of foreign gence services, including the closure of the powers and the international community in Sri special branch of the police in 1970, had left Lanka’s internal affairs. During the early stages the government largely unaware of the scale of of the terrorist conflict, trained LTTE the insurrection it was facing. The nation’s cadre in training bases established in Tamil military was not up to the task. In response to Nadu. Many of the leaders of other separatist the government’s appeals for help, India and groups also frequented that state. It is also sent in troops to secure critical instal- important to note that several international lations while essential equipment and ammu- non-governmental organizations that were nition was provided by Britain and the Soviet based in the North and East first started to Union. Although the insurrection was success- cooperate with the terrorist groups active in fully suppressed within a short time, it had those areas during this period. In 1985, India many consequences. Perhaps the most crucial facilitated talks between the government of Sri from a historical perspective was that national Lanka and the separatist groups; these talks security became a much greater concern both were held in Thimpu, Bhutan. The talks col- for the government and for the public. lapsed due to the unrealistic demands made As Ceylon became Sri Lanka in 1972, uphold- by the separatists. These demands would have ing national security was one of its foremost gravely affected Sri Lanka’s sovereignty if priorities. granted, and the government had no choice but to refuse them. Fighting soon resumed. By

140 | FROM THE FIELD PRISM 4, no. 4 SRI LANKA’S NATIONAL SECURITY this time, the conflict transformed into one establishment of a joint operation command between the state and the LTTE, which had to coordinate the three armed services, police used the ceasefire granted for the Thimpu talks and intelligence services in counter-terrorism to destroy rival separatist groups. operations. The military used battle forma- As the fighting gained momentum, the tions for the first time, and the national intel- emphasis given to national security by the gov- ligence bureau to coordinate the intelligence ernment also increased. A new ministerial services was established at a national level. position was created for national security. The In 1987, the very successful military was also significantly strengthened, Vadamarachchi Operation enabled the govern- with larger recruitment drives, the acquisition ment to regain control of much of the North, of better assets, and improved training to leaving the LTTE on the brink of defeat. At this counter the growing threats. With its improved point, India intervened directly in the conflict capabilities, the military was able to make by air dropping humanitarian relief supplies progress in fighting the terrorism of the LTTE. over . This led to the abandonment of Changes were also made within the structure the Vadamarachchi Operation, and the signing of the military. The need for a coordinated of the Indo-Lanka Accord. An Indian effort to combat terrorism led to the Force (IPKF) was introduced to Isak Berntsen, in , Sri Lanka, 2003

A LTTE Sea Tiger fast attack fiberglass boat passing a LTTE supply freighter sunken by the just north of the village of Mullaitivu, North-eastern Sri Lanka.

PRISM 4, no. 4 FROM THE FIELD | 141 RAJAPAKSA the North of Sri Lanka, where it soon got In addition to its battles with the military, embroiled in conflict with the LTTE. After the LTTE also frequently carried out attacks more than two years of fighting, the IPKF with- against civilians throughout the country. drew in October 1990, and fighting resumed Numerous bombings took place in public between the LTTE and government forces. locations in , killing thousands. Although there were periodic attempts at Hundreds more were massacred in vulnerable peace talks, the intensity of the war grew dur- villages near LTTE dominated territory. Critical ing the 1990s and in the early 2000s, with sev- installations and economic targets such as the eral major battles being fought and much International Airport, Central Bank, and the hardship suffered throughout the country. The Kolonnawa Oil Refinery were also ruthlessly military was strengthened significantly to deal attacked. In order to contain this very serious with this threat. Specialized units such as the threat to national security, precautionary mea- and the sures had to be greatly increased throughout Regiment of the , as well as the Special the country. This led to the visible presence of Boat Squadron of the Navy were developed to soldiers on the streets, the widespread use of deal with the increasing military challenge checkpoints, frequent cordon and search oper- posed by the LTTE in the North and East. ations, and the constant upholding of the Emergency Regulations, which gave Ulf Larsen

LTTE car with soldiers, in Killinochi, April 2004

142 | FROM THE FIELD PRISM 4, no. 4 SRI LANKA’S NATIONAL SECURITY wide-ranging powers to the military and law the Sri Lankan Armed Forces to grow signifi- enforcement agencies. The entire country was cantly. Between the end of 2005 and the end effectively on a war footing. of 2009, the number of army personnel grew In 2002 the government signed a Ceasefire from 120,000 to over 200,000; its nine divi- Agreement with the LTTE under Norwegian sions were increased to 20; its 44 mediation. This launched the next major expanded to 71; and its 149 phase in the internationalization of Sri Lankan increased to 284. The navy and the air force conflict. Norway was joined by the European were also expanded significantly, and given Union, the , and , which tasks beyond their classic role. The upholding together comprised the four co-chairs of the Sri of security throughout the country also Lankan peace process. A Sri Lanka monitoring required the Police and Special to mission was also established, comprising be strengthened, and the Civil Defense Force members from Nordic countries, to supervise was revamped and significantly expanded. the implementation of the ceasefire agreement. Because of the internationalization of the Despite their presence, the LTTE continued to Sri Lankan situation during previous decades, create instability in the country assassinating there was a great deal of foreign scrutiny on its key opponents including Hon. Lakshman the progress of the humanitarian operation. By Kadirgamar, the Sri Lankan Foreign Minister, keeping Indian leaders constantly informed and carrying out periodic attacks against civil- about what was happening on the ground, and ians. by skillfully managing relationships with other In 2006 the LTTE provoked a humanitar- nations, it was possible for Sri Lanka’s war ian crisis by closing the vital Maavilaru Sluice effort to continue unimpeded. Nevertheless, Gate. This affected the right to water of thou- towards the end of the war in 2009, the foreign sands of households, and even affected ministers of France and the national food security by preventing the flow arrived in Sri Lanka and attempted, without of water to many thousands of acres of agricul- success, to intervene in the military campaign. tural land. The government intervened with a Efforts by external parties to end the humani- limited operation to reopen the sluice gate, but tarian operation reflect the tremendous influ- was met with large-scale attacks by the LTTE on ence that the LTTE’s international network had several fronts. This led to the widening of the on foreign capitals. Many in the international military campaign into the humanitarian oper- community willfully ignored the fact that the ation that ultimately freed Sri Lanka from ter- is duty-bound to pro- rorism. tect its citizens from the aggression of the LTTE During the ceasefire period, the LTTE had terrorists. Even after the war ended and peace managed to strengthen its offensive capabili- dawned in 2009, this bias against the govern- ties significantly. It had approximately 30,000 ment led to Sri Lanka being taken up at the cadres in its ranks and a vast arsenal of weap- Human Rights Council ons and equipment that included heavy artil- (UNHRC). Although the initial resolution lery, , missiles, rocket propelled gre- against Sri Lanka was defeated that year, two nades, and light aircraft. Combating such an more were sponsored by the United States in enemy that employed guerrilla tactics required 2012 and 2013, and successfully passed.

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Today Sri Lanka is a country enjoying the result of the war. This is why the biggest full benefits of peace, and it is engaged in a responsibility of the government of Sri Lanka, concerted push to accelerate its economic even in today’s post war situation, is to ensure development and bring prosperity to its citi- the continued security of the country. Without zens. The country has much to catch up on. security and stability, there will be no eco- Three decades of conflict cost Sri Lanka count- nomic development. less opportunities for growth: foreign and local Sri Lanka’s national security should be investment suffered due to fears about the war; addressed in the context of its history, the real- tourists did not visit the country, and many of ities of its present situation, and most critically its best and brightest went overseas to build from the perspective of the several responsi- better futures for themselves. Countries such bilities of the state. The state must ensure that as , which was in a similar economic the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the position to Sri Lanka when it reached indepen- nation is maintained, and that there are no dence in 1948, developed at a tremendous rate threats to the safety of its population. Ensuring during this period. At least partially, this is economic growth so that the people of the because they did not have a major conflict country can raise their living standard is also with which to contend. Sri Lanka’s prospects, critical in order to prevent internal problems on the other hand, were greatly curtailed as a from recurring in the future. Creating a Chamal Pathirana

Sri Lanka Army

144 | FROM THE FIELD PRISM 4, no. 4 SRI LANKA’S NATIONAL SECURITY favorable international environment for Sri period of the conflict, the LTTE was able to Lanka is similarly of the utmost importance in maintain the illusion of a functional state keeping adverse external influence at bay. apparatus in the territories it dominated. It Securing the safety of Sri Lanka’s physical also had significant influence in foreign capi- assets and safeguarding its democracy are also tals as a result of its extensive international critical. Sri Lanka’s national security must be network. Defeating the LTTE required a con- understood within a unified, single framework certed effort on the part of the Sri Lankan gov- that integrates the nation’s defense, law and ernment. As a result of the unwavering leader- order, foreign policy and economic policy. ship of His Excellency President Mahinda These four areas need to come together, creat- Rajapaksa, this task was achieved in May of ing a comprehensive national security strategy. 2009. This is essential if Sri Lanka is to consolidate In the immediate aftermath of the war, its present peace and stability and fulfill its there were a number of issues that needed potential. immediate attention. First was the problem of nearly 300,000 internally displaced people Present National Security Concerns who had been used as the LTTE’s human shield Sri Lanka today facers a range of security during the last phases of the war. Then there threats worthy of concern, including; was the need to demine the North and East so ■■ The possible re-emergence of terrorism that those areas would be safe for human hab- ■■ The emergence of other extremist groups itation. This resulted in the recovery of hun- ■■ The worsening of ethnic divisions and dreds of thousands of mines and improvised communal violence explosive devices laid by the LTTE during its ■■ The challenges of maritime security and retreat. Infrastructure development and recon- border control struction of those areas after years of neglect ■■ The growth of organized crime under the LTTE’s dominance was another sig- ■■ Foreign interference in domestic affairs nificant challenge to be dealt with, after which ■■ Non-traditional technology-driven it was possible to resettle the Internally dis- threats, including social media. placed persons (IDPs) in their places of origin. One of the most important issues concerned In discussing terrorism, it is vitally impor- the nearly twelve thousand surrendered LTTE tant to appreciate the sheer scale of the prob- cadres and four thousand detained cadres. The lem that the government of Sri Lanka faced government took the bold step of trying to over the past three decades. Since the 1970s, rehabilitate nearly all of them so that they the LTTE grew from a small organization of could become productive citizens in the future. armed individuals to a large, sophisticated ter- The vast majority of them have already been rorist outfit with very advanced combat capa- reintegrated with society. bilities. At its height, the LTTE had more than Amongst other post war achievements has 30,000 battle-hardened cadres; access to large been the disarming of other armed groups that stockpiles of modern armaments, ammunition used to operate in the North and East, and the and equipment; a sophisticated naval wing encouragement these groups have been given and a fledgling air wing. For a considerable to contribute to society through democratic

PRISM 4, no. 4 FROM THE FIELD | 145 RAJAPAKSA processes. The restrictions that used to be in Lanka and travelled to countries such as force on movement, fishing, high-security Canada, the United Kingdom, and zones, etc., have all been removed. Democracy parts of . These countries granted asy- has been completely restored, with free and lum to the immigrants, and later granted many fair elections taking place. Economic growth in of them citizenship. As such, there is a large the North and East has been truly remarkable population of immigrant Sri Lankan Tamils in the recent past, and it is clear that normalcy dispersed throughout the world. A small has been restored to the people. minority of this population supports the LTTE Despite all of these very positive develop- even to this day. Extremist elements within this ments, however, the threat of terrorism re- community, together with LTTE agents and emerging persists. One of the main reasons for operatives, including trained terrorists who the LTTE’s success during its heyday was its fled Sri Lanka at various times during the war, extensive international network, which has comprise the LTTE’s international network. been in operation for many decades. Following After the demise of Prabhakaran, the the ambush and massacre of 13 soldiers in the LTTE’s former procurement chief Kumaran North by the LTTE in 1983, there was a major Pathmanadan, better known as KP, took con- communal backlash against the Tamils in the trol over this network and indicated that it rest of the country. As a result of the July 1983 would continue to work for the separatist riots, a large number of Tamil people left Sri cause through peaceful means. However, a DFID - UK Department for International Development

De-mining technicians from the UK charity HALO Trust at work early in the morning, on the edges of a paddy field near Thunukkai, northern Sri Lanka.

146 | FROM THE FIELD PRISM 4, no. 4 SRI LANKA’S NATIONAL SECURITY breakaway faction emerged almost immedi- investigated on suspicion of supporting terror- ately, led by Nediyawan, who wanted to con- ist activities. As a result of these suspicions tinue Prabhakaran’s ideology of violence. about the BTA, the (BTF) Nediyawan’s group was previously known as was formed in 2006 to carry on the same activ- The Tamil Eelam People’s Assembly or The ities in a new guise. The BTF acted as an Tamil National Council and is now known as umbrella organization that mustered support the Tamil Coordinating Committee. Based in from the immigrant Tamil community and Norway, this group has been working with local British politicians for dividing Sri Lanka. other international groups to promote the With Shanthan’s arrest by British authorities in LTTE’s separatist cause in many parts of the June 2007 for providing material support to world. The Tamil Coordinating Committee has terrorism and his conviction in April 2009, as control over most of the assets of the LTTE’s well as the defeat of the LTTE in May 2009, the international organization, including its media role played by the BTF needed to be changed networks such as Tamil Net. to suit the post-war environment. Following the arrest of KP in August 2009, As a result of this, the Global Tamils Rudrakumaran took over the of the Forum (GTF) emerged in February 2010, with main network and began working towards many of the same members as the BTF. The establishing a “government in exile.” This head of the GTF is the so-called Father group now fashions itself as The Transnational Emmanuel, a Priest who was once hailed by Government of Tamil Eelam (TGTE). In the Prabhakaran as “a freedom fighter who has guise of fighting for Tamil rights, its primary given leadership to a movement committed to objective is to lobby foreign governments for setting up the homeland to Tamil Eelam.” the establishment of a separate state in the Father Emmanuel has been engaged in a pro- North and East of Sri Lanka. The so-called paganda campaign against Sri Lanka for many “Transnational Government” has some twenty years, targeting Tamil expatriates, foreign gov- “Ministers” and “Deputy Ministers,” and was ernments and international organizations. He formed with assistance of an advisory commit- is known to have visited LTTE strongholds in tee comprising prominent pro LTTE activists, Sri Lanka in mid-2000 to conduct training for including foreigners who have been helping selected youth who were earmarked to take up the LTTE for many years. There has recently overseas appointments for fundraising and been a revolt within the TGTE where one third propaganda for the LTTE. of its members loyal to Nediyawan went Under Father Emmanuel’s guidance, the against the leadership of Rudrakumaran GTF has successfully influenced a number of because they wished to engage in more radical politicians from various political parties in action. European countries as well as the United Another prominent LTTE-linked group States, , Canada, and India to support emerged out of the British Tamils Association the separatist cause. In addition, the GTF has (BTA), which was active since 2001 in support- courted officials within international organiza- ing the terrorism of the LTTE in Sri Lanka. In tions such as the United Nations, the European 2006, the leader of the BTA, Arunachalam Union and various international non-govern- Krishanthakumar, alias Shanthan, was mental organizations. Part of the success of the

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GTF in these activities can be attributed to the reconciliation process; undermining all efforts influential pro-LTTE foreigners’ involvement in of the democratically elected government of it. Sri Lanka to create a better future for its citi- zens through reconciliation and economic development; and continuing to push for the All of the LTTE-linked groups are coordinated resumption of conflict through reorganizing by the GTF and united by one overarching local pro-LTTE elements within Sri Lanka. objective. The efforts of these LTTE-linked groups have been successful to a limited extent in that despite the war having ended four years ago, Yet another group that is active interna- the internal affairs of Sri Lanka remain at the tionally in supporting the separatist cause is forefront of the UNHRC’s sessions as well as at the LTTE Headquarter Group, which is based the top of the agenda of several prominent in France and headed by Vinayagam, a senior international NGOs. It has to be noted that intelligence cadre who managed to escape dur- many of those who create this pressure by ing the final stages of the war in Sri Lanka. This claiming to be human rights activists and vic- group is known to engage in human smug- tims of state repression are actually trained gling, with some of its past operations includ- LTTE cadres and operatives now fully engaged ing the sending of the “Sun Sea” and “Ocean in propaganda activities. It is very important to Lady” vessels from South East Asia to Canada understand that their attempts to pressure the in 2009 and 2010. The members of this group government through international bodies such generally maintain a low profile and their as the UNHRC and non-state actors, such as movements are kept to a minimum as most of international NGOs, strengthen those who them have been issued Red Notices by Interpol work against Sri Lanka’s interests. for their involvement in criminal activities. In this context it must be further realized They also keep their distance from both that there are groups even within the demo- Nediyawan’s and Rudrakumaran’s groups, but cratic mainstream in Sri Lanka that obtain still maintain links with the GTF. funding from the LTTE’s international network All of the LTTE-linked groups are coordi- and pro-LTTE elements overseas, which more nated by the GTF and united by one overarch- or less openly talk about achieving the very ing objective. Their unwavering intent is the same objectives that the LTTE had. Though of Sri Lanka and the establishment of they appear to have a democratic face, their a separate state for Tamil Eelam. There are sev- actions and remarks clearly show that the eral strategies through which they will try to extremist separatist ideology has not yet disap- achieve their objective. These include: the win- peared. Their ultimate objective is achieving ning of international opinion for the separatist the division of Sri Lanka. As a result of their cause; increasing international pressure on Sri actions and statements, it is very much a pos- Lanka in various areas including pushing for sibility that certain radical elements will feel international investigations into war crimes empowered to once again attempt to take up and claims of genocide, and by encouraging arms in the name of separation. This is a major international monitoring of the national

148 | FROM THE FIELD PRISM 4, no. 4 SRI LANKA’S NATIONAL SECURITY national security threat that needs to be taken stem far beyond self-protection. There is infor- with the utmost seriousness. mation that some of these groups have even In addition to the threat of terrorism, Sri tried to link up with global Islamic terrorist Lanka also faces a potential threat from other organizations. This is a situation that requires extremist groups. These are the remnants of careful monitoring. the radical groups that were involved in previ- On a broader scale, it also must be ous . Some of these groups are try- acknowledged that one of the consequences of ing to reorganize within Sri Lanka and mobi- the terrorist conflict Sri Lanka endured for lize people to once again take up their extreme thirty years has been the increased insularity left wing causes. There is information that of ethnic groups. Rather than identifying some of these groups have started to establish themselves on the basis of nationality, the ties to LTTE-linked agents to create further communities of Sri Lanka have begun to iden- problems in Sri Lanka. Some of their activities tify themselves on the basis of their ethnicity include radicalizing students and encouraging or their religion. Instead of calling themselves them to take to the streets in various protests. Sri Lankan, they identify themselves as Though such activities are still in their early Sinhalese or Tamils or Muslims or Buddhists stages, they pose another serious national or Christians. This fragmentation of Sri Lankan security concern that must remain a consider- identity is most unfortunate, because activists ation. within these communal groups seek minority Another growing concern in the post-war rights or ethnic rights rather than working environment is the increasing communalism within the framework of a common national amongst ethnic groups, which, if left unad- identity. dressed, could result in the rise of ethnic ten- The cross-border links that can arise as a sions in the future. During the period of the result of such insular ethnic or religious iden- war, it was not only the Sinhalese and Tamil tification are also very troublesome. It is clear communities that were affected by the terrorist that there are some in the Tamil community separatism of the LTTE, but also the Muslims. who identify themselves more with the Tamil After the LTTE started engaging in ethnic community of Tamil Nadu than with their fel- cleansing in the North in the early 1980s, it low Sri Lankans. This has been encouraged by expelled the Sinhalese community from Jaffna some parties overseas who wish to promote and soon after turned its attention to the the idea of a greater Tamil Nation. Similarly, it Muslims. Several massacres were carried out at has been observed that there are some foreign Mosques in the East, and in October 1990, the groups that wish to encourage Sri Lankan LTTE expelled more than 75,000 Muslim resi- Muslims to identify themselves more with the dents from the North. This was followed by global Muslim community, thereby reducing further brutal attacks on Muslims in vulnera- their integration within Sri Lanka. This trend ble villages near LTTE dominated territory. In has been particularly prevalent in the post- this environment, the Muslims also started to September 11 world in which a tendency organize for their own protection against the among certain groups to try and influence the LTTE. Since the LTTE’s defeat, some of these global Muslim community toward, religious groups have begun to engage in activities that extremism has become visible.

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The increasing insularity and cohesion The organized trafficking of persons or amongst minority ethnic groups has also led human smuggling is another significant mari- to the emergence of hard line groups from the time security issue. Organized groups, some of majority community: the popularity of certain which are connected to LTTE-linked organiza- political groups and movements can be viewed tions, have lured many people seeking better as being largely a response to this trend. In economic prospects into this lucrative, illegal turn, the emergence of hard line groups in the operation. In 2013 alone, more than 440 peo- majority community causes further tensions ple have attempted to leave Sri Lanka illegally. amongst other communities, which leads to a Having sold their properties and handed over vicious cycle of greater fragmentation of the Sri all their wealth to the operators of these Lankan identity. Sri Lanka has had numerous schemes, the victims of human trafficking find divisions in the past that ultimately led to con- themselves trapped on board unsafe vessels flict, making this a very serious national secu- along with hundreds of others, travelling to rity concern at the present moment. Sri Lanka countries that will most often refuse them must learn the lessons of its past, and ensure entry. In order to make a compelling case for that history is not repeated. their acceptance by border control authorities The maintenance of maritime security is abroad, such economic refugees often concoct another serious national security concern for stories about being persecuted in Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka. In the past, the only maritime secu- thereby damaging the country’s reputation. rity issues that had to be dealt with were the Furthermore, the mechanisms of human traf- illegal movement of Indians into Sri Lanka and ficking have enabled trained terrorists to the smuggling that took place between Sri escape justice in Sri Lanka and flee abroad to Lanka and South India. Preventing these safe havens, from which they may once again threats was one of the foremost duties of the attempt to cause problems to the country military in the 1950s and the 1960s. However, through other means. with the evolution of the LTTE and other ter- A further consideration with regard to rorist groups in the 1970s and beyond, mari- maritime security is the protection of our mar- time security imposed greater challenges. itime assets. One of the problems Sri Lanka For example, it is a well-known fact that has faced in the maritime domain after the the LTTE acquired a vast arsenal of weapons defeat of the LTTE has been the increasing inci- and equipment including , missiles, dence of pirate fishing in Sri Lankan waters by mortars, armored vehicles and even light air- South Indian fishermen. These fishermen use craft. None of these items was produced in Sri illegal practices such as bottom trawling to Lanka, but were brought into Sri Lanka by sea. maximize their catch. This causes serious dam- In addition to military supplies, the LTTE’s age to the healthy fish stocks in Sri Lankan cadres were initially trained at bases in Tamil waters, and also adversely affects the liveli- Nadu. Given the recent activities of LTTE- hoods of native fishermen. These fishing boats linked organizations outside Sri Lanka and that illegally enter Sri Lankan waters have also particularly in Tamil Nadu, this is very much a been known to engage in other criminal activ- current threat. ities including drug smuggling. Protecting Sri Lanka’s waters, both from these fishermen and

150 | FROM THE FIELD PRISM 4, no. 4 SRI LANKA’S NATIONAL SECURITY others who might seek to exploit its other oce- is therefore another challenge that needs to be anic resources, including oil and gas, will be monitored. one of the key maritime security challenges for With regard to border security, one of the Sri Lanka in the future. concerns Sri Lanka has is the possibility of the Somewhat further afield, the threat of country being used as a transit point for trans- international piracy is also a maritime threat national crime. The arrest of certain elements to Sri Lanka. Many of the world’s most impor- connected with extremist regional terrorist tant sea-lanes of are located in close proximity groups in India and Pakistan has shown that to Sri Lanka, and both the newly built they have used Sri Lanka as a transit point Hambantota Port and the Colombo Port are from which to coordinate their activities. ideally situated to service the hundreds of ves- Some, who are known to have been temporar- sels that cross these lanes on a daily basis. The ily sheltered in Sri Lanka after claiming refugee reach and sophistication of the pirates origi- status in the west, are known criminals who nating mostly from East Africa has been engaged in illegal activities such as credit card increasing in recent years. This factor under- fraud, drug smuggling and counterfeit currency mines the security of these sea-lanes and could printing abroad. pose a serious problem to shipping in the Organized crime in Sri Lanka is another region in the future. This will have an impact issue that needs to be addressed. As a result of on the country’s economic security as well, and the rise of terrorism and the insurrections Sri Lanka experienced over the last forty years, and European Commission DG ECHO

The Vembakkottai camp in Tamil Nadu was set up in 1990 to accommodate Sri Lankan refugees.

PRISM 4, no. 4 FROM THE FIELD | 151 RAJAPAKSA the response required from the state, a consid- arena involves regional power politics. erable amount of arms and ammunition inad- Tensions between India and Pakistan and vertently fell into the hands of criminals. between India and are particularly sen- Organized criminal activities include drug- sitive in this regard. With China emerging as a trafficking, armed robberies, kidnappings for world economic leader, there is a widespread ransom and financial frauds. There are also belief that India will seek to align itself with groups that engage in illegal land seizures. the others similarly concerned at China’s In today’s environment, the possibility of ascendancy. The likelihood of the United foreign interference in Sri Lanka’s internal States showing more interest in the region and affairs remains a significant national security aligning more with India is a factor that may concern. With the involvement of countries affect Sri Lanka. Further, its establishment of a like India, Norway, and the United States in Sri base in the Maldives is also changing the com- Lanka as a result of the recently ended conflict, plexion of the region. These are developments matters relating to this country’s internal that need to be monitored from the point of affairs have gained increased visibility within view of Sri Lanka’s national security. the international community. India, in par- The final threat to Sri Lanka’s national ticular, is very sensitive to what is going on in security is the emergence of new technology- Sri Lanka because of the large Tamil popula- driven media, including social media sites tion in its influential southern state of Tamil such as Facebook, Twitter and other websites. Nadu. Especially during the elections cycle, Sri We have seen the potential for these new Lanka figures large in Indian politics. In the media to destabilize nations and affect serious recent past, the Chief Minister of Tamil Nadu change in the case of countries like Tunisia, even attempted to pressure the Indian govern- Libya, Egypt, etc. Although the likelihood of ment into opposing Sri Lanka internationally. events such as the Arab spring transpiring in This is a serious threat to Sri Lanka’s security, Sri Lanka is minimal, because it is a demo- and perhaps even its sovereignty. cratic nation with an extremely popular polit- Furthermore, as a result of the rapid eco- ical leadership that enjoys a very large electoral nomic and military development of countries majority, this is still another threat that needs like India and China in recent decades, the to be monitored. Particularly due to increasing entire Asian region has become increasingly internet penetration and computer literacy in important in global affairs. Sri Lanka’s impor- Sri Lanka, many youth are familiar with social tant geostrategic position within the Indian media; they use them to gather information as Ocean region has brought it increasing atten- well as to propagate ideas. Those with vested tion. It is conceivable some western powers interests can exploit social media, causing might wish to have a Sri Lankan government problems in Sri Lanka or any other country, by that is closely aligned with their interests, and circulating certain ideologies online and mobi- will seek to influence Sri Lanka’s destiny so lizing and organizing people. This can be done that it cannot pursue the independent course with a minimal physical presence, and there- it is presently following. fore constitutes a threat that is difficult to con- A third factor that has led to Sri Lanka’s tain through the traditional tools of national increasing importance in the international defense.

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National Security Response the war, the number of military intelligence units has been increased and each security The foregoing threat assessment makes clear force headquarters now has its own intelli- that even in the present post-war situation, gence unit. The intelligence personnel are national security remains very much a justified being provided increased training in order to concern for the government of Sri Lanka. In enhance their capabilities and capacities, and addressing the challenges discussed above and as Sri Lanka moves forward, it is hoped that developing a comprehensive national security the intelligence agencies will be able to keep strategy, it is important for the government to track of and contain domestic national security take a holistic view and incorporate many of concerns. its elements into a single policy framework. Although Sri Lanka today has no immedi- In terms of internal security, the best ate requirement for offensive military opera- response to most of the threats that we face is tions, it is of the utmost importance that secu- the development of the intelligence services. Sri Lanka has two primary intelligence arms; Although Sri Lanka today has no immediate the State Intelligence Service and the Defense requirement for offensive military operations, Intelligence, which comprises the Directorate it is of the utmost importance that security of Military Intelligence, Directorate of Naval measures not be relaxed. Intelligence, and Air Intelligence. In addition, the police maintain the Special Branch, while the also has its own intelli- rity measures not be relaxed. The military is gence division. Furthermore, the Terrorist not engaged in law enforcement activities, and Investigation Department and Criminal their visible presence has been greatly reduced. Investigation Department of the police also Still it is essential that the military remain in work closely with the other intelligence agen- strategic locations throughout Sri Lanka. cies on matters relating to national security. Particularly in the North and East, where we In the past, the lack of strength and coor- know that there are still potential threats to dination amongst these various intelligence national security, it is essential to have a sig- services was a serious handicap. It is essential nificant, though unobtrusive, military pres- that they work together under a unified com- ence. Some recent efforts of international mand structure in order to improve coordina- actors to reorganize pro-LTTE elements in the tion and enhance capabilities. Towards this North underscore the need for this. For exam- end, the present government has brought these ple, the recent arrest of some youth in Jaffna intelligence services under the Chief of and Chennai, who had been recruited by a National Intelligence, who reports directly to Chennai based LTTE-linked group funded by the Secretary to the Ministry of Defense. This the LTTE’s Europe-based network, shows the has streamlined coordination and improved utmost need to remain vigilant in this regard. cooperation amongst the intelligence agencies. It must also be underscored that as a sov- Another important development in this ereign nation, Sri Lanka has every right to regard has been the augmenting of resources place its security elements in any part of the allocated for the intelligence function. After country it so chooses. While some in the

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international community talk about the so- Regarding internal security the national called militarization of the North and East, identity system has been significantly and some political parties in Sri Lanka decry improved. Because it was previously a manual, the presence of the military in these areas, it paper-based system, criminal and terrorist ele- must also be understood that the people of the ments could very easily obtain forged identity North and East mostly have a very cordial rela- cards. This enabled terrorists to operate tionship with the military. Since the end of the throughout Sri Lanka under various names war, the military has been involved in a great and aliases; this is why the threat of suicide deal of reconstruction work, and has also sup- bombings and other attacks in the rest of Sri ported the local people in resuming their live- Lanka was such a pressing problem during the lihoods. They have provided equipment and war period. To address this critical weakness, material for agriculture, fishing and various the Registrar of Persons Department was types of assistance for small business develop- brought under the Ministry of Defense and ment. The increased attention given to civil- Urban Development, and a new identity card military affairs also helps national security system that uses biometric information will because it helps the armed forces win the soon be introduced. Similarly, the problem of hearts and minds of the people in the former people coming into Sri Lanka and staying ille- conflict areas. gally under false pretenses will be addressed through the introduction of a proper border Above all enhancing domestic security will control system in which biometric information require national reconciliation and the forging will be incorporated into the passport and of a common Sri Lankan identity. Economic international standards used for identity veri- development is an absolute necessity in this fication. regard. Above all enhancing domestic security will require national reconciliation and the forging of a common Sri Lankan identity. With regard to the work of the defense ser- Economic development is an absolute neces- vices in the post-war environment, it is also sity in this regard. The fact remains that unless essential to expand the responsibilities of the people enjoy a reasonable standard of living, navy and the coast guard. The protection of Sri peace and reconciliation are very difficult to Lanka’s maritime borders is of the utmost achieve. This is why the government has spared importance, and there is a great deal of respon- no expense or effort to develop infrastructure sibility on these two institutions to safeguard and build up the North and East. This will our seas. Sri Lanka’s Exclusive Economic Zone enable the benefits of peace to flow down to (EEZ) must be protected. The navy needs more the people of those areas. When people know assets in order to patrol effectively. It also that they have the opportunity to achieve a requires greater surveillance capabilities better future for themselves, it is highly through augmenting its radars and adding a unlikely that they will waste their time on vio- new air surveillance capability. The air force, lent ideologies. The achievement of economic too, needs to improve its capabilities with development and national reconciliation are regard to surveillance operations.

154 | FROM THE FIELD PRISM 4, no. 4 SRI LANKA’S NATIONAL SECURITY therefore two of the key areas of focus for the Photos government in the present national context. Finally, it is of the utmost importance that Page 46 photo by DFID - UK Department of Sri Lanka maintain cordial relationships with International Developments. 2010. Clearing fields of its allies. Despite the present pressure from land mines. From https://www.flickr.com/photos/ dfid/4615507782/. Licensed under the Creative Tamil Nadu, it is essential to maintain a strong Common Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs and healthy relationship with India. Relations 2.0 Generic license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/ with the many countries that helped Sri Lanka by-nc-nd/2.0/legalcode. Photo reproduced unaltered. in the past, both in economic terms and polit- ical terms, should be strengthened further through skillful diplomacy and further devel- opment of mutual ties. It is essential to con- tinue to strengthen the existing cordial rela- tionships with powerful nations such as China and , which have permanent seats on the United Nations Security Council. In this over- all context, it is very important that the foreign policy of Sri Lanka is realistic. Ultimately, the best way to ensure that Sri Lanka remains safe and strong in the future is for its citizens to put aside the differences of the past, unite as Sri Lankans, and work toward a better future for themselves and their fellow people. PRISM

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