The newly appointed Sri Lankan Army Commander has refuted war crimes allegations but said that the tri-forces would face up to any investigation in order to clear their name.
“I don’t know whether those accusing the army officers and soldiers have first-hand information about their allegations; whether they were there at that time or not, but if there are any investigations we will certainly support it to clear the name and reputation of the army,” the Daily Mirror quotes Lt. Gen. Mahesh Senanayake as saying.
When questioned about the Army’s failure to investigate allegations of attacks on journalists by army intelligence units, the Commander responded that he would not protect guilty parties.
“No one can commit a crime, especially by an army soldier. We are subjected to military law, as well to the Penal Code, We are punished twice. If anyone has committed any crime, he should be brought before law," he said, according to Colombo Page.
Lt. Gen. Senanayake who was previously Commander of forces at Jaffna said, according to News Radio, that the army in the North and East acquired land during the conflict, but once the mission was complete, they handed back land following the observational period.
He said the army now knows the daily routine in those areas adding that essential camps will remain while other areas will be released to the public.