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Elle Gunawansa Thera asks President to turn words into action

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4 September 2017 07:51 pm - 9     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera today commended President Maithripala Sirisena for assuring that he would not allow war crimes charges against former army commander Jagath Jayasuriya but urged him to translate his words into action.

He told a news briefing organised by the Yuthukama Forum that it was the army which saved him when the LTTE attempted to assassinate him twice.

The Thera said a number of other military men who spearheaded the war against the LTTE are being intimidated and punished based on baseless allegations.

“We don’t object to action being taken if there is credible evidence against someone of being involved in any fraud or violence. As someone who closely associated with the military and helped to re-recruit deserters back to the armies, I’m disappointed and saddened over the intimidation of soldiers. The latest development I heard is an attempt to arrest former Navy Commander Wasantha Karannagoda via a B report,” he said.

The Thera invited President Sirisena to visit him so that the Thera could brief the President about the real state of affairs in the military.

Referring to the statements made by Field Marshal Minister Sarath Fonseka that General Jayasuriya had committed crimes and that he would give evidence against the retired General, the Thera said the Field Marshal should solve any personnel disputes in person without tarnishing the image of the Army.

“I condemn the statement made by the Field Marshal and I’m disappointed he made such a derogatory statement. He had differences with former Navy Commander Karannagoda as well. These issues should be sorted out by them without making them public,” he said.

However, the Thera said Minister Fonseka was not even appointed by the people of the country and has no mandate to issue such statements.

Meanwhile, Manohara De Silva PC said the Northern Provincial Council (NPC) was attempting to introduce laws to establish a court to hear cases of war crime allegations.

“This should not be allowed to proceed. Even the allegations levelled against the UN resolution have no basis. That’s why they can’t take swift action against anyone,” he said.

Mohan Samaranayake told a news briefing that the fate that befell on Yugoslavia, Serbia and Kosovo would befall Sri Lanka. (Lahiru Pothmulla)


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  Comments - 9

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  • Shan Monday, 04 September 2017 08:29 PM

    Can the Thera locate the disappeared Tamils who surrendered to the Army?

    Hautaum Monday, 04 September 2017 08:39 PM

    it shameful former/president have denied to conduct proper judicial mechanism. If let SF speak freely only bring the some truth at least, as there are number of allegations

    Lanka Monday, 04 September 2017 09:01 PM

    Ven. Elle Gunawansa Thera do not be mislead and misguided by President Maithripala Sirisena asurance that he would not allow war crimes charges against former army commander Jagath Jayasuriya. Ask him to translate his words into action. by giving these statements to the international forums, the UN etc and abolishing any war crimes investigations in Sri Lanka.

    Ranjan Monday, 04 September 2017 09:25 PM

    Thera,This accusations against our heroic military commanders is going to continue,our President is powerless no body can help our heros.There is only one possibility open to save them,that is to convince the world that the actual war crimes in Sri Lanka were committed by 100 thousand strong Indian Army in Jaffna.This is the only way out.

    GH Tuesday, 05 September 2017 12:14 AM

    This Fonseka guy, a trouble maker, once he boasted WHITE FLAG ISSUE, right now, acts against a fellow war hero. Undoubtedly Fonseka is a real TRAITOR. Ven. Theor, please, you should not call this all time TRAITOR as FIELD MARSHAL.

    Hemaka Tuesday, 05 September 2017 11:06 AM

    It's really funny because our war has all ready ended. There's no more blood spill. In two years time it will be decade since victory. With due respect we need to see at the bigger picture and see where we are heeding . Yes there were wrong things been done by a few but still do we need to disgrace our selves in front of the international community ? Besides no war is fair or humanitarian like. Now look at the US who are constantly at war and what do they want to achive and when ? Trump and the UK have all ready changed there starns when their countries are affected.

    Lord Wolfstein Tuesday, 05 September 2017 07:01 PM

    This can not be compared. US and UK soldiers have not killed their own civilian population. But the Sri Lankan Forces have done this. In this country a reconciliation between the ethnic communities is urgently needed to ensure a lasting peace. For this reason war criminals must be punished.

    karthik Tuesday, 05 September 2017 12:31 PM

    War heroes are not those who commit war crimes against the innocent civilians. If Jagath Jayasooriya has not commited any war crimes why everyone get panicked.

    VJ Tuesday, 05 September 2017 06:31 PM

    The Ven. Thera should promote truth and reconciliation. Why is he trying to advise the Commander in Chief about matters in the military. If a crime was committed, then the victims have the right for justice and the Ven. Thera should stand up for the victims irrespective of their ethnicity or faith. The Ven. Thera will be blessed.


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