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PHU alleges Army Commander lied about Rishad’s call

1 July 2019 10:17 pm - 18     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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The Pivithuru Hela Urumaya (PHU) today said Army Commander Mahesh Senanayake has lied with regard to a call made by former minister Rishad Bathiudeen asking him about an arrested suspect in the Army custody.

Addressing a news conference, PHU Leader Udaya Gammanpila said Army Commander Senanayake has said in an interview with the state-owned 'Silumina' Newspaper on May 5 that there was undue influence from a powerful minister from Mannar to get an arrested suspect released.

"This was the first charge mentioned against the then minister Bathiudeen in the no-confidence motion compiled by the opposition. We handed over the no-confidence motion on May 16 and the army commander had until that day to ask the newspaper to correct the news if his comment had been altered, which did not happen. On May 17, he said in a news briefing that there was a request from Bathiudeen to release a suspect. However, he said the minister's call can be termed as both a request and an influence," he said.

Meanwhile, he said the army commander has told the Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) on June 26, a different version of the story.

“He had said the former minister inquired only about someone who was in the army custody. Then, Field Marshall Sarath Fonseka had asked the Army Chief whether it was only as a joke that he had told Bathiudeen he would get back to him in one and half years time," MP Gammanpila said.

He said if the Army Commander takes one and half years to confirm whether someone was in their custody, it was a dangerous precedent.

"The Army Commander has no need to tell the minister to call back in one and half years if he did not receive any undue influence. In his own words, the Army Commander said the army can detain a suspect for one and half years. This only proves that he has lied to the PSC and has told the truth to the media," he said.

He said this showed that the Army Commander had received undue influence afterwards. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

 

Video by Sanjeewa


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  Comments - 18

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  • Hautam Monday, 01 July 2019 10:37 PM

    Before the attack something ? then how they had played their role in terms of security after the attack, so should fire both of posts for life.

    Nana Monday, 01 July 2019 10:59 PM

    Stop your false allegations against our Army who fought for the country. His statements are consistent and no lies about it. You’ll have become useless politicians only think about your own political benefits.

    Gampan Monday, 01 July 2019 11:01 PM

    Please stop playing dirty politics. Who are you to talk about Army Commander?

    TONY Monday, 01 July 2019 11:02 PM

    UG IS THE BIGGEST FRAUDSTER. HE THINKS ALL ARE THE SAME AS HIM

    George Harry Monday, 01 July 2019 11:37 PM

    Why the white-flag man intervenes the subject he never knows. When HE Mahinda Rajapaksa

    W.Katugampola Tuesday, 02 July 2019 12:03 AM

    Army commander is not a lier like you big mouth. When people don't say what you wants them to say, they become liers in your eyes. This is how you and Pohottuwa conducts politics in SriLanka.

    Ishan Tuesday, 02 July 2019 12:57 AM

    Well.Desperate attempt.

    Rohan Tuesday, 02 July 2019 05:10 AM

    Gal Gemba Bamkrupt gal hora gembagge pilla, can he talk about money he stole while being a tea boy to Brian Shedick? Any other country this rogue will be behind bars for life... we’ll suited to be executed first by just passed death penalty ..

    JJ Tuesday, 02 July 2019 05:18 AM

    Looks like someone might be getting some election funds...

    Dayan Tuesday, 02 July 2019 06:45 AM

    Not the Army Commander these unbehaved politicians are liars.

    Borat Tuesday, 02 July 2019 07:24 AM

    You are a liar and a thief so shut up

    Hubert Tuesday, 02 July 2019 07:29 AM

    In a civilized country these criminals are in jail what is PHU who asked for it

    Sisil Sudesh Tuesday, 02 July 2019 07:36 AM

    We know about others who have uttered bigger lies

    ALL TALK NO PROOF Tuesday, 02 July 2019 07:39 AM

    Quite easy to say "lied" if the outcome does not suit you, Come out in public with your proof (and probably with your witnesses) in this regard. Do not hide behind like a coward. Nothing comes out with such vague statements just like in all other matters - even vague statements by the robed fraternity. File a case and bring this matter to a finality with all your proof presented by your council.

    Kumara Dharmarathne Tuesday, 02 July 2019 08:16 AM

    Mr. Udaya Gammanpila, Still Army Commander is much better than you and other politicians where the lying is concerned and therefore don't worry about it.

    Dee Tuesday, 02 July 2019 08:01 PM

    Wheelchair party!

    Venom Wednesday, 03 July 2019 07:15 AM

    Look whose is accusing the army commander of lying? Bloody fraud!

    Cobra Wednesday, 03 July 2019 07:16 AM

    Moota lajja nedda?


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