One or two shooting incidents do not amount to a threat to national security, former Sarath Fonseka, Commander of the Sri Lanka Army, said, expressing confidence that the government is capable of managing the situation effectively.
Fonseka stated that there is no specific national security threat at present, noting that in the past certain groups had attempted to create unrest, fuel communal tensions, or stage disturbances for various motives. He suggested that isolated acts are sometimes carried out to create publicity or project influence.
He emphasized that the armed forces continue to perform their duties in an orderly manner and that incidents involving one or two individuals should not cause unnecessary alarm. According to him, the government is well aware of the situation and has experience in handling similar challenges.
Commenting on recent shootings and violent incidents, Fonseka described the underworld as still active to some extent but characterized the latest events as criminal rather than political in nature. He acknowledged that while the underworld has not been completely eradicated, such acts do not automatically translate into broader instability.
He also noted that attacks carried out by individuals on motorcycles cannot always be prevented, even with a significant security presence in Colombo. However, he stressed that the government must continue to take appropriate and proactive measures to maintain law and order.
