Urgent Need to Safeguard Military Infrastructure

Dilrook Kannangara

The terrorist attack on Galle, although foiled by our gallant sailors, should be an eye opener. It shows the extent to which terrorists would go to cripple the military. In 1995 at the height of operation Riviresa, terrorists attacked the oil storage tanks. Once again in 2001 the airport was attacked. These are just a few examples of the immense terror threat on military infrastructure.
It serves terrorists in many ways.

Destruction of vital military infrastructure may lead to abandonment of ongoing and planned operations. It will put defensive operations in jeopardy having manifold ramifications across the nation. Property damage would run to millions of dollars making it extremely difficult to replenish. Even if replacements are purchased, it will be at a severe strain on our foreign reserves. Financial effects multiply when considering volatile petroleum prices, the urgency of procurement of equipment leading to higher prices, countering public pressure, restoration, alternative site development and installation. On the other hand, it will boost the morale of terrorists, those who covertly support terrorism and their financiers. Demoralization will affect the forces in their operations, sustaining continued public support and recruitment.

Considering these horrible effects, it is of utmost importance to protect our military infrastructure. It is public knowledge that security provided to some of the key nerve centres of the military is far from satisfactory.

Higher authorities should get feedback from the soldiers guarding these facilities on how to ractically improve security and help them do their job well. There is no point in aiming guns at onlookers after an attack has taken place. Communication and surveillance facilities should be provided to these facilities. Cost of these equipments is more than justified. Most important is to carryout covert search operations in the area and interrogation. As an experienced army there is high awareness of the importance of these measures but the reality still remains that the security provided to some facilities is pathetic.

It is with earnest fervor that we plead the authorities to take a fresh look at the adequacy of security of military and civilian infrastructure. These should be protected at any cost.