Sirisena appoints Fonseka ally as new Army Commander

by Sivakami
Jul 4, 2017

The Sri Lankan president, Maithripala Sirisena appointed the commander of the security forces in Jaffna, Major General Mahesh Senanayake as the new Army Commander. 

Major General Senanayake worked closely with the former Army General, Sarath Fonseka, who was leading the Sri Lankan military in the final stages of the armed conflict against the LTTE in 2009 when widespread war crimes and crimes against humanity took place. His close association with General Fonseka led him to emigrate after the latter was arrested by the Rajapaksa regime, only returning after Mr Sirisena came to power. 

During that critical period of 2009, Major General Senanayake served the staff appointment of Colonel General Staff, 52 Division and Brigadier General Staff at the Security Force Headquarters, Jaffna. 

See here for his profile on the army's website. 

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