Investigations regarding mass atrocities will never be aimed at “war heroes or the members of the intelligent service,” said Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena at a ceremony on Tuesday.
Speaking at the launch of a new privilege card for Sri Lankan soldiers, Mr Sirisena said that there were questions “to answer in front of the international community”. However, he went on to state “the investigations regarding that will never aim war heroes or the members of the intelligent service (sic)”.
The president also highlighted his role as the government’s defence minister during the closing stages of the armed conflict, stating:
“According to the responsibility I had as a reasonable minister before January 08 2015 and with the responsibility I have today, I will work to take the country towards the development by strengthening of the national security”.
“Whatever abuses, insults and allegations directed to me, I am dedicated to make a similar commitment like the valiant war heroes who made sacrifices to bring about an ever lasting peace in the country”, he added.
Alluding to the recent investigations over disappeared Sinhalese journalist Prageeth Eknaligoda, Mr Sirisena also said, “Some narrow-minded political extremists are accusing me stating that I am trying to break the country into two parts by arresting the members of intelligent sections and thereby destroying the national security”.
“But, I refuse all these allegations as the commander of the tri-forces who is responsible for the security of the country,” he added.
