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Allegations are mere allegations: Army Commander

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27 August 2019 08:55 am - 11     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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Responding to war crimes allegations levelled against him, Army Commander Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva yesterday said that anyone can make allegation but those are only allegations.

Addressing a news briefing in Colombo, the Commander said there have been allegations in the past.

“Anyone can make any allegation but we go forward. This is not the first time they made allegations. When we look at the allegations made on the Mannar mass gravesite, it was later proved that we had nothing to do with it and nothing happened thereafter,” he said.

Commenting on the concerns about being appointed as the army commander, he said “There could be some concern by various people. But it is their concern about my appointment. But I’m sure the President appointed me as the army commander considering national security and the leadership of the army. I respect and accepted the decision taken by the President” he said

He said the army commander's post was not restricted to one ethnicity. “I’m the commander of the army to protect each and every Sri Lankan. My first concern is about the protection of the country, protection of its people, development of the army and the well-being of the members of the army,” he said.

He said he was looking forward to developing the efficiency of army intelligence during his career as the army commander. “There could be structural changes in the intelligence service when ensuring the efficiency,” he said.

He said intelligence service was the most important aspect when it comes to national security.

Commenting on the removal of Army camps in the North, the army commander said no decision was taken to remove any camp or to reduce the number of security personnel from those areas as of now. He said if any requirement arose, they will take appropriate action. (Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya)

 

Video by Suranjith


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  Comments - 11

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  • Anmanpan Tuesday, 27 August 2019 10:05 AM

    Sorry Uncle, there is an old saying , where there is smoke, there is fire.

    Ronnie Bugger Tuesday, 27 August 2019 10:11 AM

    He, he, he. Big talk, words of a patriot but he knows the skeletons in his cupboard.

    G. RANASINGHE Tuesday, 27 August 2019 11:06 AM

    Army commander Shavendra De Silva, The problem in third world countries is the institutions like Police, AG, Judiciary etc are not independent or powerful enough to investigate allegations against powerful people. In Sri Lanka this situation is extremely bad. You and I both know what has happened to such investigations. I am not telling you are guilty or not guilty of anything but what I say is just by telling they are just allegations does not make you not guilty. This is the unfortunate situation in this country where there is no rule of law. Powerful people can do anything and get away.

    Mannar Resident Tuesday, 27 August 2019 11:12 AM

    Sir, you are right Sri Lankan Army is not responsible for Mannar mass grave, but then we have to find out who did it, LTTE or the Indian Army. Tamils need the answer.

    cheers Tuesday, 27 August 2019 11:19 AM

    Shavendra be strong and stand strong do not listen to these $$$ puppets, UNHRC and also to our politicians. Please keep all citizens and the country free of terror and restore national security and intelligence and make sure all extremist elements are completely destroyed for ever. People will endorse and will live in peace

    Lord Wolfstein Tuesday, 27 August 2019 11:26 AM

    This statement is a mockery of the victims by a war criminal.

    BuffaloaCitizen Tuesday, 27 August 2019 11:47 AM

    Absolutely Correct, mere verbal allegations is only character assassination but well documented evidence for allegations is part of a process to legally, judicially

    Shone Tuesday, 27 August 2019 11:51 AM

    war is war, and nobody can expect any good, but under general silva, fought as much fair as possible, that's all

    TELL THE MARINES ! ! ! ! ! ! Tuesday, 27 August 2019 01:25 PM

    "He said the army commander's post was not restricted to one ethnicity. " well, well, well - in our wonder of asia - being a (as even as the cardinal point of view) a sinhala buddhist country - and with our ultra strong "patriots" of the likes of Ganasara, Rathanay and the Asgiriya prelate - I am sorry Shavendra, that the statement by you has to be directed to the marines !

    Gemba's great old grandma Tuesday, 27 August 2019 03:50 PM

    Idiots stop yapping and charge him if you can otherwise put tape on your mouth and fingers and be happy that you are free to yap because of him. No terrorist or lover of terror in Srilanka or the world has no right to complain when they are destroyed. Sad part is the genocide was a total failure otherwise how did these bums survive. Maybe we should charge the good General for failing to achieve it.lol

    Mandayan Tuesday, 27 August 2019 05:49 PM

    Keep the mouth shut and mind your works, please. Remember they tracked down Milosovic who were hiding. Don't challenge the powers to be.


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