The Secretary to the Ministry of Defence says that his statement regarding the discovery of arms cache in Chavakachcheri has been “badly misinterpreted” and that he had no intention to dilute this particular incident but only to prevent the general public from being driven to a panic situation. 

“And also save the people from those who can make use this situation to achieve their own agendas,” Eng Karunasena Hettiarachchi said in a media release.

But it was never intended to discourage our own defence officials from carrying out their legitimate duties unhindered by public opinion right or wrong, he said.

“However security forces and all intelligent wings wish to give a categorical assurance that they are on full alert and it is also to noteworthy to remind that revelation of media reports, some with vital and sensitive information, often tend to become a counter productive and could jeopardize the effort to identify such activities,” Hettiarachchi said.

The Defence Secretary said that unlike other public servants he cannot disclose to the public everything that is being done in the defence atmosphere. “My position is different to the position of secretary any other ministry where transparency is essential.”

MEDIA RELEASE

Very unfair interpretation have been made against my statement made about the discovery of cache of arms in a house in Chavakachcheri.

As Defence Secretary I am fully committed and totally responsible to ensure public security at all times. I cannot allow unwarranted publicity that will allow the general public to be driven to hysterical level of panic and fear still unwarranted at this stage. On the other hand as a responsible Defence Secretary I have not diluted this particular incident to discourage our own defence experts from performing their legitimate duties.

As responsible Defence Secretary unlike other public servants I cannot disclose to the public everything that is being done in the defence atmosphere. My position is different to the position of secretary any other ministry where transparency is essential. In defence matters such transparency can be detrimental to defence itself.

During WW II there had been huge posters on all the buildings in the city which the following wording “SOMEONE TALKED AND THE SHIP SANK”. That was a warning against irresponsible leaking of vital information regarding the movement of naval vessels in and out of the ports. This saying appraise to my work also.

My statement has been badly misinterpreted. I had no intention to dilute this particular incident but only to prevent the general public from being driven to a panic situation. And also save the people from those who can make use this situation to achieve their own agendas. But it was never intended to discourage our own defence officials from carrying out their legitimate duties unhindered by public opinion right or wrong.

However security forces and all intelligent wings wish to give a categorical assurance that they are on full alert and it is also to noteworthy to remind that revelation of media reports, some with vital and sensitive information, often tend to become a counter productive and could jeopardize the effort to identify such activities.