More troops needed in liberated areas – Gen. Fonseka

Speaking at a function in Colombo, General Fonseka warned that many more troops are required to keep northern Sri Lanka free from terrorism.

General Fonseka was the chief guest at a a management faculty conference held in Colombo on Friday night.

Speaking at the event, the General said that the current number of troops in the army were only enough to maintain security in areas that were under government control in 2008.

In the past year, General Fonseka has totally crushed terrorism from Sri Lanka, much to the surprise of many Western and Indian “military experts” who always said terrorism could not be defeated.

Earlier, General Fonseka had disclosed plans to expand the army by 100, 000 more men and women.

Again, on Friday, the General said many more troops will be needed to keep entire northern region free from terrorism.

He noted that even though not many people live in Wanni, it is a large swath of land that offers ideal hiding place for terrorists.

Others at the conference noted that Sri Lanka's economy will not lose out by expanding the army, as many pseudo economists claim.

They said most money will be paid to troops as salary and will re-enter local economy. Since we are not fighting a full war, not much money will be wasted on buying weapons from other countries.

General Fonseka oversees security in Vavuniya

On Friday, General Fonseka visited his troops in Vavuniya and discussed prevailing security situation with them.

The General met with troops from the 21, 56 and 61 Divisions of the army that plaid vital role in the South Wanni sector during the war on terrorism.

Lots of Air Force and Police personal attached to units in the area had also flocked the Wanni Army HQ on hearing that their beloved General was in the area.

Commander of Wanni Major General Kamal Gunarathne received General Fonseka. Maj. Gen. Gunarathne is a highly accomplished officer who was promoted during the General's tenure as Commander of the Army.

Many highly accomplished officers who would have otherwise been ignored were promoted by General Fonseka, who always gave positions on merit, unlike others who promoted their brothers, uncles or other kins.

General Fonseka, a highly disciplined but humble man, met with most of the members of the armed forces present there.

He had candid conversations with the troops, talking of their personal feelings about the security situation as well as the welfare of all valiant soldiers and their families.