The Presidential Task Force to build a secure country, disciplined, virtuous and lawful society has been established by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, in accordance with the powers vested in the President by Article 33 of the Constitution.

The gazette notification for the establishment of the Task Force, chaired by Defence Secretary Major General (Retired) Kamal Gunaratne, was published on Tuesday (02).

The other members include Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Navy Vice Admiral Piyal de Silva, Commander of the Air Force Air Marshal Sumangala Dias, Acting IGP C.D. Wickremarathne, Director General of Customs Major General (Retired) Vijitha Ravipriya, Chief of the National Intelligence Service Major General (Retired) Jagath Alwis, Director General of State Intelligence Service Major General Suresh Salley, Director of Army Intelligence Unit Major General A. S. Hewavitharana, Director of Navy Intelligence Unit Captain S.J. Kumara, Director of Air Force Intelligence Unit Air Commodore M.D.J. Wasage, Deputy Inspector-General of Police of Special Task Force of Police T. C. A. Dhanapala and Deputy Inspector-General of Police Waruna Jayasundara.

Senior Assistant Secretary of the Defence Ministry, Mr. D.M.S. Dissanayake has been appointed the Secretary of the said Task Force.

The members are tasked with taking the following actions:

•Necessary immediate steps to curb the illegal activities of social groups violating the law, which is emerging as harmful to the free and peaceful existence of society at present in some places of the country

•Necessary measures for the prevention of drug menace, to prevent the entry of drugs from abroad through ports and airports and to fully eradicate drug trafficking in the country and to prevent other social illnesses caused by drug abuse

•Necessary measures to legal action against persons responsible for the illegal and antisocial activities conducting in Sri Lanka while locating in other countries

•Investigate and prevent any illegal and antisocial activities in and around prisons

The President has authorized the Task Force to investigate and issue directions as necessary in connection with the functions entrusted to it. 

The Task Force also may issue instructions or request that all Government Officers and other persons requesting assistance in the provision of services comply with such instructions. Hence, all Government Officers and others have been instructed to provide all possible assistance and provide all required information.