RANJITH SOYSA

We refer to the news report that the Government of Sri Lanka is planning to send her naval ship or ships to the Red sea area arguably to protect the international ships from the Houthi rebels who have started attacking the ships which are operating to and from Israel.

According to the information such operations will cost the country more than Rs 250 million. How can any sensible person justify spending our limited foreign exchange on a such a wasteful exercise especially when more than 70% of the population is fighting hard to keep their heads above water,

Any informed person is aware that the Houthi rebels are in possession of drones which they have launched successfully destroying a few vessels. We know our naval vessels   have practically no technical capability of destroying drones. If so, we are on a suicide mission to keep up with the major powers and compel our navy officers to face an unenviable situation. At the end, the Government will realize that Sri Lanka has paid dearly for her whistle.