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Soldier in Nattanidiya video not at fault: Army Commander

17 May 2019 11:16 am - 25     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Army Commander Mahesh Senanayake said yesterday the soldier who was seen in a CCTV video as having made a hand gesture to a mob during a violent incident that occurred in Nattanidiya in Thummodara last Monday, and was found to be not at fault.

He explained that the soldier had not invited the mob but had fixed the strap of the firearm.

He said the Army had launched an investigation into this incident and that they confirmed this after watching the video several times on a wide screen and analysed it.

The Army Commander said he had appraised the National Security Council about the video and the hand gesture of the soldier.

 

Video by Buddhi

 


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  Comments - 25

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  • Roshanaly Friday, 17 May 2019 11:46 AM

    Commander thinks that the Public are blind and fools and unable to see the difference between adjusting the strap and inviting the crowd.

    ghostlanka Friday, 17 May 2019 11:52 AM

    Well then it is Sri Lanka Army, i was hoping it was not.

    Janaka from Matara Friday, 17 May 2019 12:34 PM

    ..I am hoping you are not a 1st generation commenting bot undergoing training on "how to make meaningful comments".

    sliver Friday, 17 May 2019 12:12 PM

    Total rubbish!!!! Under emergency regulation then why didn't he open fire to contain the mob. If the Mob was muslims I don think he would have hesitated in using his weapon.

    Potta Harry Friday, 17 May 2019 12:49 PM

    Why was he moving out when mob was arriving ? Why was he stationed there with a gun ?

    Treehorse Friday, 17 May 2019 12:52 PM

    At least you could have not investigated.

    saman Friday, 17 May 2019 01:20 PM

    expected verdict

    Samath Friday, 17 May 2019 01:26 PM

    Good shot, although I condemn the violence, in this instance it helped to push stupid politics to fast track actions.

    BuffaloaCitizen Friday, 17 May 2019 01:26 PM

    Obviously, when will you stop denying? How come this soldier moved away so quickly without holding his position stopping those racist criminal thugs? Of course now you will say he had to go to the toilet hurriedly.

    Perera Friday, 17 May 2019 01:36 PM

    But he did nothing to stop the violence. He failed in his duty.

    Srilankan Friday, 17 May 2019 01:37 PM

    Punish him severely as it should be a lesson for others.

    Mazen Cassim Friday, 17 May 2019 01:51 PM

    There was another video from another angle linked to the same incident. There were two more soldiers involve in it. Haven't you seen it sir?

    M F Fazi Friday, 17 May 2019 01:54 PM

    Hoping it would have been established that he was not from the army. If from the Army his actions then certainly encouraged the cowardice mobs. In the bigger picture the pattern is the same in Aluthgama/ Digana/ Ampara,/minuwangoda.Its a Shame you have not noticed this and apprehended the perpetrators and conspirators. One thing is certain that the forces of nature will not spare those in power and authority who failed in there responsibility in preventing this mayhem.

    Jehan Friday, 17 May 2019 02:00 PM

    What BS same as saying there was no innocent civilians died in the last stage of Elam war. Just admit the mistake and go forward.

    Jehan Friday, 17 May 2019 02:00 PM

    What BS same as saying there was no innocent civilians died in the last stage of Elam war. Just admit the mistake and go forward.

    ultimate Friday, 17 May 2019 02:26 PM

    Joke of the year!

    Meiling Akbarally Friday, 17 May 2019 07:19 PM

    What happend to the swords at the mosque?

    suri Friday, 17 May 2019 03:43 PM

    This commander is lying through his teeth. PERIOD

    Meiling Akbarally Friday, 17 May 2019 07:23 PM

    Must have learnt to lie from the Muslim politicians. LOL

    Lankan Friday, 17 May 2019 03:49 PM

    Strap or not, everyone saw the subsequent events. This soldier's dereliction of duty is one that we have seen over and over when confronted with these type of mobs. It MUST be acknowledged by the Army commander and punished. Sri Lankan Army is second to none in its professionalism. You cant have this going on and ask the Politicians and the rest of the population of fix their issues. We need the Army to get us though this mess hence why you have been handed powers to act. Please step up and show some leadership instead of sweeping it under the carpet just like the rest of the morons in public office.

    Mr X Friday, 17 May 2019 06:10 PM

    This kind of false speech makes me think that the army commander was behind these attacks.

    Meiling Akbarally Friday, 17 May 2019 07:25 PM

    Why do you think Bathuideen called the Commander many times about suicide bomber? Maybe he wanted to ensure punishment. LOL

    Tinkiriya Friday, 17 May 2019 06:29 PM

    If the strap was adjusted by the soldier, then how come a mob fearlessly attack a property knowing that an Army soldier was posted in the area? Why not send the footage to an international tribunal and let them determine this?

    Rp Friday, 17 May 2019 06:53 PM

    Thank you commander for clarifying. Now, I’m totally disgusted and disappointed with you!

    TRUTH WILL FINALLY WIN Friday, 17 May 2019 06:53 PM

    "watching the video several times on a wide screen and analysed it." Please do not bring in such jargon - we will not get fooled. -ALSO please do not become swollen headed - judging by you recent remarks.


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