Boost for Civil Security service

Fully geared to combat terrorism :

Ramani Kangaraarachchi

COLOMBO: The Civil Security Department (CSD), formerly known as the Homeguard Service, will be strengthened and fully geared to combat terrorism. The CSD will deploy fully trained and well-equipped civil security personnel in villages and jungles shortly.

Director General Civil Security Department Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekara said handpicked brave and well experienced civil security guards have been selected and training will commence at the Galkiriyagama Civil Security Higher Training School in Dambulla in March. They will be given a rigorous training for one and half months and deployed at various stations in the near future.

Admiral Weerasekara said fewer villagers were leaving for Southern areas from threatened villages as they are confident about the capabilities of civil security personnel. Admiral Weerasekara pointed out that the threat from the LTTE is not the only reason for them to leave their villages. Social and economic problems also influence their decisions.

A Committee has been appointed to discuss these problems with the farmers and arrangements have been made to find a market for their harvest, provide infrastructure facilities and carry out counselling sessions ensuring their social security, he said.

The former Home Guard Force was restructured and strengthened on the instructions of President Mahinda Rajapaksa following his visit to Kebithigollewa after the bus bombing.