COLOMBO: Nine senior Police officers have been appointed as Hostage Negotiators, the first of such an initiative in Sri Lanka, in keeping with international aviation obligations as a part of crisis management during a possible aircraft hi-jacking or a hostage situation.
The team of Hostage Negotiators received their appointment letters from Defence Secretary Maj. Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne during an official event held at the Ministry, on Thursday July 16.
Defence Secretary, who is also the Chairman National Civil Aviation Security Committee (NCASC), addressing the officers said appointments were a timely requirement and involved greater responsibilities involving in safety of civilian lives.
He also underscored how the threat paradigm involved in the aviation industry has evolved in a post 9/11 world and the need for timely action in avoiding such situations in future.
In addition, Maj. Gen. Gunaratne also said that the new team of Hostage Negotiators needs to be constantly engaged with the aviation officials with provisions for capacity building and also in further advancement of the initiative.