He was making the keynote address at a seminar on ‘ Crime, Corruption and National protection’ at the Govt. Information Department Media Development Center auditorium today(23).

Now that terrorism has been ended , a peaceful atmosphere prevails in the country, Mr. Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said .

After the eradication of terrorism, steps had been taken to control various crimes in the country. Even in the north-east, apart from the security forces, there were various armed groups and now they had all been disarmed, pointed out Mr Rajapaksa.

While eradicating crimes of the underworld, various other crimes too have been extensively controlled countrywide, he said

He appreciated the positive side of media reporting, for instance when it is reported that a person with a warrant is yet free, greater attention is paid to that arrest.

Similarly, a foreign ambassador complained about army corruption in the north-east, and it was consequent to a media report and the investigation revealed that no security force personel were involved in any such incident.

Incorrect reporting can create a wrong impression not only in the country but also internationally, which in turn can thwart the development of the country, the Secretary pointed out. It was also a problem whether it is ever possible to police every crime in the country.

Accordingly the media, religious leaders, educationists, elders, civic leaders in the villages should with responsibility create a dialogue and focus on this issue, Mr. Rajapaksa underlined.

The lifting of the Emergency , has also resulted in criminals making use of this freedom, and some criminals from abroad are even controlling criminals here, thus creating difficulties for the police, he further pointed out. However, while greater attention is paid to such incidents ,not a single crime investigation has been stopped because of political influence, Mr. Rajapaksa said.