Sri Lanka Prisons Emergency Action and Tactical Force’ (SPEAT Force) was introduced to thwart corruption and misconduct in prisons and to control such issues in a more transparent approach said the Defence Secretary and Chairman of the Presidential Task Force to build a Secure Country, Disciplined, Virtuous and Lawful Society Gen. Kamal Gunaratne on Wednesday.
The concept of SPEAT Force was brought to the Department of Prisons, while introducing reforms to the prisons correctional system and their intelligence units under the directives of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in keeping with the national policy framework, ‘Vistas of Prosperity and Splendour’ which assures to build a secure country, disciplined, virtuous and lawful society, he said.
Gen. Gunaratne was present at the inaugural passing out parade ceremony of the ‘SPEAT Force’ as the Chief Guest at the Centre for Research and Training in Corrections in Angunakolapelessa Prison held on Wednesday.
Commissioner General of Prisons Thushara Upuldeniya warmly received the Chief Guest Gen. Gunaratne on his arrival at the venue.
The Defence Secretary took the salute amidst a guard of honour at the passing out parade organised to absorb 194 new recruits to the ‘SPEAT Force’.
Gen. Gunaratne said “Plans are afoot to enlist 500 personnel into the SPEAT Force and today’s passing out of 194 members’ marks the initial stage” adding that “This prison jailor cadre comprised of former tri-forces members those who have been discharged from the service after completing their initial engagement, following an unblemished service”.
“We envisage to thwart corruption and misconduct and to control such issues in a more transparent manner,” he said, elaborating the purpose of this move.
Addressing the newly passed out SPEAT Force members he said “You all were recruited and trained owing to your inherent discipline, courage and dedication, and, therefore, execute your work in a humanitarian approach strengthened with self-discipline when dealing with prison inmates”
“It is also a part of your duty to assist to transform these inmates to be useful citizens before they re-enter the society after completing their jail term”, he said.
The event saw the presenting of the SPEAT Force official insignia to the Defence Secretary, drill and riot control displays, parading and presenting of awards to those who had excelled, during the four-month long training.
Additional Commissioner General of Prisons Thusitha Uduwara, Commissioner of Prisons (Administration, Rehabilitation and Skills Development) and Media Spokesman Chandana Ekanayake, Commissioner of Prisons (Supplies and Services) Sunil Kodithuwakku, Commissioner of Prisons (Industries and Development) Malin Liyanage, Superintendent of Prisons (Director-Training) Senaka Pallethanna, Commanding Officer of the SPEAT Force Asst. Superintendent of Prisons Prasad Premathilake, senior military officers and invitees were also present.