MR rejects US call to send SL troops to Afghanistan

5 February 2013 02:49 am - 18 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has rejected a call by the United States to send Sri Lankan troops to war-torn Afghanistan, the Government Information Department said.

According foreign media reports most international troops are scheduled to leave Afghanistan by the end of 2014. In December 2012 there were about 102,000 Nato troops serving in Afghanistan from 50 contributing nations, the International Security and Assistance Force (Isaf) said.

Of these the bulk - about 68,000 - are US troops, the BBC reported.

The number of US forces in Afghanistan peaked at about 101,000 in 2011, taking full Nato force numbers to about 140,000. But an extra 33,000 American soldiers sent as part of the "surge" have now been withdrawn and Washington plans to carry on winding down combat operations during 2013.

The BBC said that leaders of nations contributing forces in Afghanistan have been talking about withdrawal for some time. Both France and Canada ended their combat missions early, although they have yet to bring all their troops home.

Britain, the second largest contributor to Nato's Afghanistan operation, has about 9,000 troops in Afghanistan, and 4,000 more will be brought home by summer 2013, with the remainder leaving by the end of 2014.

Australia has said most of its troops most will be home by the end of 2013. Other contributing countries include Germany, Italy, Australia, Poland and Turkey.

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

Comments - 18

Nan Tuesday, 05 February 2013 05:04 AM

this must have been some trick to blame a 3rd world government for all the human rights violations that happened in afghanistan. they would've though SL is the perfect candidate.

edward Wednesday, 06 February 2013 04:44 AM

its another story but the truth is differnt

Dasun Tuesday, 05 February 2013 12:42 PM

As per USA SL army "alleged for war crimes", so if USA concern to get our army for their work,that's sum up USA not the lover as some one here thinks,can you expect more than this from war criminal who used nuclear bomb in Hiroshima and Nagasaki?

Lucky Weeramantry Tuesday, 05 February 2013 10:54 AM

Asking For Trouble

Lucky Weeramantry Tuesday, 05 February 2013 10:51 AM

Trouble On The Horizon

dias Tuesday, 05 February 2013 10:42 AM

If you cant end it why the hell you start it

dias Tuesday, 05 February 2013 10:38 AM

Pl do not do this mistake to send we have suffred for 30 years let Us take the matter if they started let them end it,

Lion King Tuesday, 05 February 2013 07:27 AM

Afghan problem & Osama Bin Laden are US's own creations, so let them reap what thy sow , why should Lanka get involved ? , on the other hand did US send their troops to attack LTTE terror ?

Nalin Tuesday, 05 February 2013 07:18 AM

No we are even more stupid, we voted in and continue to keep in power a family dictatorship.

Hong Kong John Tuesday, 05 February 2013 03:06 AM

The troops are needed at home in case there is a coup against his regime.

Saliya Wicks Tuesday, 05 February 2013 12:00 AM

This time you've taken a prudent decision, Mr. President. via DM Android App

PRASANNAJIT Tuesday, 05 February 2013 03:21 AM

Not possible as we need them to clean the drains and water the plants on the pavements.

Gon Haraka Tuesday, 05 February 2013 03:23 AM

I see trouble in the future

Malik Tuesday, 05 February 2013 03:19 AM

About 62% support MR and there's no opposition with a poofter as a leader. So no coup. :o(

buffaloa citizen Tuesday, 05 February 2013 03:19 AM

Good discision by MR, he does not want the blood of 40,000 Afghan civilians in his hands.

Yaka Tuesday, 05 February 2013 03:16 AM

What is the original reliable source which says that US made this "request" in the first place?
Or did that happen in his dreams?

DireStraits Tuesday, 05 February 2013 03:16 AM

Nice trap. I can see a huge rat trap set up with some cheese in the middle. I don't think the US know that cheese is not in the Lankan diet. Also we're not as stupid as the the others who blindly followed them.

dev Tuesday, 05 February 2013 12:00 AM

ane EPA. don't wonna loose any more Sri Lankan life. via DM Android App

Add comment
Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

MR rejects US call to send SL troops to Afghanistan

Comments - 18

Add comment

RECOMMENDED

‘Spike in blast fishing’ poses renewed threats to Sri Lanka’s marine ecosystems

UDA owned land in Thalawathugoda; UDA Minister Prasanna Ranatunga under the spotlight for forceful occupation of reserved land

Loss-making SMIB faces political pressure in recovering loans

Baltimore Bridge Collapse: MV Dali, SL authorities anchored in mystery?

Has Sri Lanka become a potential hub for the illegal wildlife trade?

Spotlight on Moragahakanda Development Project Moragolla villagers lose livelihoods and down to one meal a day

Ambitious Sri Lankan jobseekers ‘trafficked into Ukraine war zones’

Most Viewed in News

Two racing drivers arrested over Fox Hill tragedy

Sri Lankan among NASA’s new crew for next simulated Mars journey

Gota fires back at Cardinal, rebuts allegations

SL on alert on possible genocide allegations by Canada

Uma Oya Development Project inaugurated

Man who jumped off Sri Pada Uda Maluwa and went missing, found

MIRROR CRICKET

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Is Chamari Athapaththu Sri Lanka’s greatest cricketer ever?

Athapaththu back atop ICC Women’s ODI Batting Rankings

Chamari Athapaththu sets big goal for T20 World Cup

TODAY'S HEADLINES

Sri Lanka to establish new energy sector regulator

Cabinet nod to transfer China-built Mattala airport’s management to Indian, Russian joint venture

Sajith never attends dinners hosted by Ranil Wickremesinghe

One soldier dead, nine injured in road crash

Sahan Arachchige to lead Sri Lanka ‘A’

Dates confirmed for 78th Bradby Shield

SLAS appoints independent committee for investigation

Pakistan lose key players for last two T20Is against New Zealand