The Example Set by the Sri Lanka Army in the Kotte Incident
An incident that some attempted to stir up controversy over on social media drew intense public attention. An individual claiming to be a journalist and social media activist released a video alleging that a vehicle in the Army Commander's security convoy had collided with his car.
However, as an eyewitness to this incident, I have a different account to share.
Any sensible observer would clearly see that the so-called social media activist is making a false statement for narrow agendas, and that the manner in which the Army Commander's security personnel handled the situation was a commendable display of discipline for the entire security apparatus.
I am certain that the military security vehicle did not collide with the car in question, which was traveling in the middle of the road near the signboard by the Kotte bridge. Nevertheless, as a result of this individual theatrically recording video on his mobile phone and creating a scene, severe traffic congestion was caused at that location, inflicting great inconvenience on the general public. (Furthermore, the individual falsely claimed that this incident occurred in Pita Kotte, which is also untrue.)
The security officers acted with the utmost intelligence and respect for the law.
They took steps to keep the vehicle alleged to be involved in the accident at the scene for legal proceedings. At the same time, they ensured that the Commander's vehicle and the rest of the convoy left the location immediately to safeguard the Army Commander and prevent unnecessary traffic jams.
While the security personnel were thus engaged, the "social activist" even attempted to chase after the Army Commander's official vehicle. Anyone can understand how dangerous and risky it is to pursue a convoy of one of the country's top security chiefs.
Had such a pursuit occurred during wartime or in an environment of high security threat, the security personnel would have been compelled to take maximum and stringent measures to protect the VIP.
The more regrettable aspect that emerged after the incident was the shortsighted attempt by this self-proclaimed social activist to flee the scene rather than submit to legal procedures.
At that point, following the strong insistence of the military personnel, he did proceed to the police station and engage in legal formalities. Military police personnel had also arrived at the scene shortly after the incident to handle necessary procedures according to military protocol. This was routine, and they ensured that no violence or problems arose.
The propaganda being spread by certain individuals without consulting the police or a responsible authority is baseless. Furthermore, anyone requiring further information on this matter is free to inquire with the police.
What stood out here was the professional training and discipline of the Sri Lanka Army officers. Even in the face of provocation, they remained calm and managed to act with maximum restraint, ensuring law and order were maintained.
The patience and sense of responsibility demonstrated by the military security forces in the face of such behavior—by individuals seeking cheap popularity or pushing narrow agendas through social media—is highly commendable.
The true hallmark of a professional military is not intimidating the public through displays of force or authority, but taking lawful, disciplined, and intelligent measures in any moment of crisis.
In the incident near the Kotte bridge, the example set by the Army security forces—remaining unshaken by the challenge, safeguarding VIP security while also protecting the lives of ordinary citizens—is deserving of appreciation by the entire society.