Lanka calls for genuine cooperation to fight terrorism

Genuine cooperation among nations is needed to fight terrorism in a systematic and coordinated manner, a top Sri Lankan defence official said today as he accused some countries of being selective in their approach.
"Fight against terrorism is a global task, nations should support each other's efforts whole heartedly. Genuine cooperation among nations at highest levels is needed for this to happen in a systematic and coordinated fashion," said Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, while addressing the international maritime security conference in Galle which was also attended by Indian Naval chief DK Joshi.
The younger brother of President Mahinda Rajapaksa also complained that though some countries had proclaimed the battle against terrorism, they have now become selective - a reference to Sri Lanka coming under increased pressure from the Western world over the human rights abuses during the last phase of war with the LTTE.

Outlining the measures taken by the Sri Lankan government to ensure maritime security in the Indian Ocean, he said his country had created a maritime division based on a public private partnership.
He said Sri Lanka is increasingly gaining recognition as an important contributor to the security of sea lanes in the Indian ocean.
He also highlighted Indian Ocean's growing importance in geopolitics.

Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka now provides operating vessels with on board teams manned by former naval personnel aimed at countering piracy.
Sri Lanka is also a major disembarkation point for security teams from other countries. The government provides logistical support for movement of ammunition and weapons including the provision of bonded warehouses for their storage.

Rajapaksa said Sri Lanka had begun operating stringently regulated and secure floating armouries to fulfil this requirement including providing training for sea marshals.