Sri Lankan army commander Lt Gen Daya Ratnayake has said that the army had exceeded their legal remit during the shooting of protesters in Weliweriye and said that a "summary of evidence" is being prepared in order for charges to be brought at a court martial.
Ratnayake was appointed by the court of inquiry to investigate the shooting, which left 3 civilians dead.
“The Court of Inquiry report stated that the deployment of troops was within the legal boundaries, however the report indicated that the Army had gone beyond their legal duties during the post shooting incidents. The Army will give all necessary support to the magisterial inquiry and the Police inquiry with regard to the shootings that occurred” Lt. Gen Daya Rathnayake told the Daily Mirror.
“The Brigade Commander and three other senior officers who were in charge of the troops on the day have currently been posted to their regiments in order to ensure a completely free and transparent inquiry and summarising of evidence” he said.
Ratnayake said maximum punishment would be given to anyone found guilty.
“We won’t tolerate any activity. There is a zero tolerance policy on anything that is illegal, and the maximum punishment will be meted out to anyone who is found guilty of violations.”
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