Former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa said all intelligence operations carried out under his watch during the final phase of war were legitimate ones. 

"There were several intelligence arms that worked during that time to curb terrorist-related activities. But I state with responsibility that one of them were used to seek personal revenge," Rajapaksa said, addressing a meeting of the 'Eliya' foundation, In Kandy. 

The former Defence Secretary also added that the functioning of Sri Lankan intelligence agencies during that period was no different from those of other countries. 

"There was no white van culture under our government a claimed by some," the former Defence Secretary added, dismissing claims by ruling party politicians that Rajapaksa was responsible for enforced disappearances and attacks on media during the previous administration. 

Rajapaksa said some people painted a wrong picture about him and his brother, former President Mahinda Rajapaksa, as anti-Muslim ultra-nationalists. 

"We only wanted to create a country where everyone could live together, in peace and harmony. Peace and harmony should also come with economic prosperity and development," the former Defence Secretary explained.