Arrests of intelligence officers risks national security

Parliamentarian Ven. Athuraliye Rathana Thera today expressed his displeasure at the recent arrests of the military intelligence personnel. He told a media conference that these arrests had jeopardised national security. Navy Intelligence Officer Dhammika Anil Mapa, Lieutenant Commander Sumith Ranasinghe and solider Udaya Thushara were arrested recently. “When I questioned several Police officers, they said the arrests were made because of pressure from foreign countries regarding Human Rights violations. But President Maithripala Sirisena expressed his views to the country clearly and said he would not allow military intelligence personnel to be arrested in an arbitrary manner. If there is a report of wrongdoing by military intelligence personnel, action must be taken after a proper investigation,” the Thera said.