Speaker lauds STF's services over the last 35 years

Speaker Karu Jayasuriya has lauded the services rendered by the Special Task Force (STF) personnel over the last 35 years.

Addressing the 35^th anniversary of the STF at the Katukuranda STF training headquarters last week, the Speaker said that the services of the Police which were limited to civil activities, had expanded following the establishment of the STF.

“In the early part of the 1980’s several protests were held against the formation of the STF. Protestors held slogans claiming that they did not require the services of the STF” he recalled.

“However, nowadays the public request the services of STF personnel when there is a tense situation in the country” Mr. Jayasuriya said while adding that this was the best compliment that could be received by the task force personnel.

Speaker Jayasuriya also appreciated the services rendered by the STF during the war when the Eastern Province was captured by the LTTE.

The STF which began with only 60 personnel has grown in numbers with disciplined personnel being equipped with knowledge on several fields while also maintaining a remarkable military strength, he said.

“This was the main reason behind the deployment of Sri Lankan STF personnel as security for VIP’s during the 2008 Beijing Olympics” Speaker Jayasuriya pointed out.

The Speaker also declared open a hostel at the premises of the training headquarters.