Mihintale: The Civil Security Department (CSD) marked its 19th anniversary yesterday at the Civil Defence Forces Memorial in Mihintale under the patronage of Defence Secretary Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha (Retd). CSD Director General Major General Palitha Fernando (Retd) received the Defence Secretary on arrival.

According to Ministry of Defence – Sri Lanka, the CSD, which operates under the Ministry of Defence, was established from the restructuring of the Home Guard Service as per Gazette No. 1462/20 on September 13, 2006. Since its inception, the CSD has played a key role in enhancing national security and community resilience, with a significant impact during the LTTE terrorist conflict.

The anniversary ceremony honored the CSD war heroes and disabled veterans who sacrificed during the humanitarian operation. The Defence Secretary, in his address, praised the CSD’s crucial contributions during the conflict and its ongoing efforts in the nation’s post-war rebuilding process.

In addition to the f
ormal proceedings, the Defence Secretary took the opportunity to interact with CSD personnel and their families. He listened to their concerns and offered words of encouragement, emphasizing the Ministry’s dedication to their well-being.

The event was graced by the presence of Venerable Maha Sangha, including Ven. Walawahenguna Wewa Dharmarathana Thero, Chief Incumbent of the Mihintale Temple, along with clergy from various religions. CSD Additional Director General Major General Keerti Bandara (Retd) and a large number of CSD members with their families were also in attendance.