Unfortunately someone is happy to whip up national phobia and just fear mongering just to get elected, they don't give a f*k on what happens to the country or people just hold office. Now there is no internal threat make up an external one.

This is what has been happening since independence and it's always a sad case of what could have been...

And they came to study SL as a role model for development in the 60s, as I mentioned in my previous post it's always going to be a case of what have been

Should mandatory reading for all Sri Lankans.

A very detailed analysis of what went wrong from Independence to 1983. A very sad story.

Very apt title - says it all.

So why shouldn't we buy the Russian Frigate, a dozen Mig 29s, and a few IL 76, and a few of this and that ?

To defend the nation The nation that has no external threats, so to speak of, other than the conspiracy theory believers who still think Bankrupt Russia and busy body US is meddling in SLs affairs...

(Sarcasm mode on .. )

You forgot to mention the many external threats that threaten the very existence and the moral fibre of the country... We need considerable arsenal to wallop them and not be puppets of the international community

I was talking to a SL businessman, let's say, in the mega rich category.

He insisted the Americans training with Sri Lanka is preparation for some conspiracy.

Conspiracy for what ? To steal ???? What ? Bases to be close to India ? Isn't India now buddy buddy with US ? So much so, India is one of the few countries to get the P8 and C17 ..

Gone are the days any foreign power needs boots on the ground to cause trouble. All can be done remotely, if they really want to. or satellite ..

A couple of Cruise missiles, and couple of underwater Autonomous vessels, and an innocent accident destroying a mega container ship.

Didn't want to tell him, that kind of boots on the ground stuff don't fly ..

Maybe he's convinced Sri Lanka needs the expensive Frigate, and weapons, and maybe an aircraft carrier ?

And maybe 6 Large Cargo Planes ?

And maybe 100 attack helicopters ?

Conspiracy is a crazy theory. Our economy is in trouble. That is totally true. If we modernize our Armed Forces, we should do that according to our economy.

Policy makers should have clear idea(Which they don't have) what are the priorities.

We all know that we don't have any external threat. Assume that we have, as a small country with small economy we cannot go to war except solve that using diplomatic mission.

We CANNOT say "Now there is no internal threat!!" This is what happen in 1970/80s. Our military was unable to tackle insurgency in north mainly due to lack of resources. If we were able to control LTTE in their early days, We are not in a situation like this..

Yes we don't have internal threat now,but how can you so sure there will be anything in future?? Nothing is impossible

And all of us know that constitutional reforms are coming. Most of the powers will be given to regions like Land, Police,etc. At least Central government should have strong Armed Force to tackle any challenges.

I'm not saying that we need bunch of Russian Frigates, a dozen Mig 29s, Large Cargo Planes , 100 attack helicopters. We won the war using those???? We won the war against one of most ruthless terrorist organization using 2nd hand, old arsenel. That is why I said Policy makers should think about needs of the country.

But maintaining Armed Forces comparing to our economy is mandatory and one of top priority. Otherwise if we have to face another insurgency or what ever like recent civil war, It is better to delete this thread, because nothing will left in Sri Lanka to talk.

Even funny, when you realise a POOR country like NZ ( ) gave up their fighters as they foresaw no major conflicts they will get involved, and need any fighters..



And in comparison, Singapore Air Force is pretty strong, since, they are surrounded by countries that have been riling up things, and / or threatened them directly in one way or other, countries who are threatened by Singapore's economic might. And, also, Singapore is an Active partner with US, involved in AF and IQ. And you can guess the threats they are facing.

Defence Ministry proposes new Naval Air Force wing

http://www.dailynews.lk/2017/10/12/l...air-force-wing

I could have sworn I heard this somewhere else

The present threats emanating from the Indian Ocean due to Sri Lanka’s geostrategic location has called for establishment of a Naval-Air Force wing to secure our waters with greater surveillance and striking capabilities, stated the Secretary to the Ministry of Defense today.

At least you know where the Commissions will be going!

Yes now the war is over...why for a change look inwards and think why did it start in first place and how did LKY had a same issue in 60's but he managed it well

LKY build a strong economy, rule of law and strong educated workforce.

Most of current economic woes in Sri Lanka are due to previous govt economic destruction...

You can shoot me for saying this, the country is at catch 22: The huge number of armed force personnel need to be employed

Hence the Previous Def Sec's attempts to make them into farming etc .. but in my honest opinon, when a state starts to do things they aren't supposed to, they kill the private sector, like Indonesia .. example, the SLAF competing for tours with private - you can say what you want, but me says, WRONG, in so many levels.

And the other issue: nobody wants to bite the bullet, and demoblise the forces, and build up only a small force, with the rest on reservist basis, like Singapore, or Korea.

The problem is, there is corruption in every level, and nobody wants to be the bad boy, for implementing painful reforms.

So solution: keep buying more and more, spend more and more ..

PS, I really wonder what went through the minds of the folks who decided the russian frigate is a good buy !!!

What SL Needs, in case not spelt out, strong COIN ops, strong maritime reconnaissance, strong long range patrols

Getting Mig 29s, A Frigates (And only one .. ) more Mi 17s, all will only help the commission folks make $$$

Why did it start ?

That's the classical diversion tactic. Like those who wanted to evict the refugees, while there are Sri Lankans claiming refuge in HK



As long as politicians play merry go round, take turns to earn, different seats but same interest of making $, and more interested in winning elections than doing what's good for the country ..

I spotted a SLAF MIG 27 being transported by road on container trailers towards Rathmalana Airport at around 10.20 PM yesterday (16th October). Does anyone know why?

Probably Placing it in the Museum?

Exhibit for museum. Already trainer is in the museum.