Public Security Minister reiterates need to instill discipline among youth

Public Security Minister Rear Admiral (Retd) Sarath Weerasekera says all youth above the age of 18 years should be given military training to instill disciplinary values in them.

Speaking at a ceremony held at the opening of a new police station at Hirana in Panadura last week, the Minister said that it had been often observed that the youth had no respect for discipline, obedience to rules and values of upholding good behaviour.

“This sad situation could be tackled with proper training. This does not mean we must turn them into military personnel, but if we are to train the youth above 18 properly, the most suitable places for that training are military camps. We must design a course aimed at personality development.”

Minister Weerasekera said that he would stand by policemen who implemented the law against unruly mobs at recent protests. “We stand by them and would not let anyone down for they did the right thing. “There was a clear order from the Director General of Health Services to police to stop demonstrations, protests and rallies. The police are bound to carry out such orders. So, the police went to those places to stop those public gatherings. Then those who had been taken into custody were sent for quarantine. That too was not a decision made by the police. Those that had been captured were sent to quarantine on a written request by the Public Health Inspectors. There are some who criticise the police for implementing the law. What’s the best way to remove a person who sits or lies down on the ground when ordered to go away. The police did not use batons, water cannons or tear gas. When the protestors were ordered to disperse, some of them sat on the ground while others lied down. In such a situation, the police have to carry them away. If anyone has a better way, I would like to know what it is.

“I will always stand by policemen who do the right thing. Even if they make a mistake in good faith while carrying out the orders given to them I stand by them and protect them. I would not let any such policemen to spend out of their pockets if there were legal proceedings,” the Minister said.

Senior policemen and MP Lalith Ellawela were among those present at the ceremony.