Although there is no military situation in the country, there is no possibility of reducing the allocations for the security forces, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) MP Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka told Parliament yesterday (24).
MP Fonseka said that wars happen without prior notice and the security forces should be strongly prepared to face any situation. Fonseka made these observations joining the committee stage debate on the Defense Ministry expenditure head.
He said that it is not possible to make preconceived notions that no war will happen to any country, and it is also impossible to guarantee that there will be no external influences from other countries. Therefore, the MP said that he does not agree at all with the statements made by some MPs that the allocation for the security forces should be reduced.
Fonseka further said everyone should understand that the security of a country is not a cheap commodity and that it is expensive. He also noted that recruitments are not done to the extent that members of the security forces retire.
“We cannot say that there is no war and money cannot be allocated for security. A war may not come, but we always need to be ready at any time.We cannot prepare an army at the verge of war. We must prepare to face any situation.” Fonseka noted.
“No country can premeditate that there are no external threats. Indian troops did not come to Sri Lanka by our will. We could not stop it. Singapore’s defence allocation is huge. Singapore is a country like our Colombo district. Security does not come cheap. Security is expensive. The only thing in the world that can be bought is the piece of cheese in the mousetrap. A lot of money has to be spent for the maintenance of the security forces. The amount allocated for salaries has decreased by five billion. After the war, many people have left the military service because of the lack of attention that the security forces received. The amount allocated for food has not increased. Rupees 22 billion have been allocated for supply services. I do not agree with the allegation that the allocation for the Defence Ministry is too much,” Fonseka said.
“It is very important for the army to receive training abroad. Since the allowances given to them are not enough, the number sent for training has been reduced by fifty percent. Army’s standards should be maintained. It should be maintained in such a way that it can deal with other armies of the world. A lot of money is allocated for the defense expenditure of other countries of the world.” Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka observed.
