A big shake-up in the Army hierarchy
By K T Rajasingham
Colombo, 31 January (asiantribune.com):
As the case of conspiracy to assassinate President Mahinda Rajapaksha and his family is moving ahead with investigation, Lieutenant General Jagath Jayasuriya, Commander in Chief of the Sri Lanka Army, has brought about a drastic changes in the high level army officials.
According to the latest changes effected on Saturday, Major General Daya Ratnayake has been appointed Chief of Staff of the Army with immediate effect, says the Army media spokesman.
Major General Walgama, a GOC, has now been appointed as Director General for the Rehabilitation.
Asian Tribune has learnt from Army sources that Sri Lanka Army Commander has effected nearly 30 changes with immediate effect on January 30.
Accordingly the former Chief of Staff of the Army Major General Samarasinghe, his deputy Major General Upul Perera, both have been moved out to the Joint Operation Headquarters.
Also Major General Srinath Rajapaksa, who was Director General Staffs and the Volunteer Force Commander and Major General Jamika Liyanage were also moved out to the Joint Operation Headquarters.
Furthermore, two Brigadiers who were sidelined during Sarath Fonseka’s days have ben given important postings– Brigadier Nandana Rajaguru has been appointed as the Security Forces Commander, Kilinochchi and Brigadier Susil Udumallagalle as Security Forces Commander East.
As a new Commanding Officer has been appointed for Kilinochchi , Major General Hathurusinghe who was while being the Commander of Kilinochchi overlooking Jaffna, has now been made the Commander of Jaffna.
Major General Aruna Jayathilake has been appointed as the Commandant of the Sri Lanka Army Volunteer Force Headquarters. Major General Deepal Alwis has been appointed as the Deputy Commandant of the Staff College Batalanda.
Major General Athula Jayawardene has been appointed Commander of the Security Forces headquarters Mullaitivu.
Major General Manawaduge, who is the Commanding Officer of Western Province and Puttalam has been given additional appointment as Colonel Commandant Medical Corps.
- Asian Tribune -
Comments
What is the fuss about these
What is the fuss about these changes? Political establishment is privy to make these changes at will. The broader responsibility of protecting the security of the country falls on the government. When SF made such changes at his ascending to office was questioned by anyone. Why this hype at this time. Most of the SF clan should be actually discharged from the army if not proven to be a gentleman soldier. There are such undesirable elements in the defense establishment. We cannot make such sweeping changes in the Police Service. During this run up there were lots of officers who got exposed for their actions and inactions. We should do some clean up everywhere. It does not mean to bring political stooges for important positions. We have to promote the unblemished clever officers to suitable positions. But the so called17th amendment is not to protect these scrupulous officers who will leach on to power.
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