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Colombo, November 12 (newsin.asia): Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena has assured the army that no land in the war-torn Northern Province needed by the army had been given back to Tamil civilians, and that no army camps will be removed if that will endanger national security.
Addressing army 350 personnel at the Army Hospital here last week, the President said that the government has released lands to their former Tamil civilian owners in the war-affected Northern Province, but these were lands which were not needed by the armed forces.
The President also assured the armed forces that no investigation has been conducted by the present government against any war hero.
However, certain allegations against some officers regarding their conduct after the conclusion of the war, had been leveled. He attributed these to “the needs of some politicians”. And some incidents had occurred as a result of personal issues, he added.
But he reiterated the pledge that he will not allow any room for leveling allegations against “war heroes”.
President Sirisena further said that if charges against officers who are in custody are proven to be false, they will be released.
He categorically rejected allegations made from political platforms that the government is hunting down war heroes.
The audience comprised Commanding Officers (COs), Adjutants and Regimental Sergeant Majors (RSMs) of the Army. The President’s speech and other proceedings were telecast live to reach 30,000 army personnel all over the island.
The President appreciated the great service rendered by the Security Forces in promoting ethnic reconciliation in the country and commended them for the unstinted services rendered during national disasters. .
He also pointed out the importance of pot-war national reconciliation in taking the country to prosperity through the path of sustainable development.The President said that he expects the support of everybody to develop our country.
The government has worked with commitment to provide benefits and facilities to the members of the security forces, their families and to the disabled servicemen. After his address, the President had a cordial discussion with the audience.
Kapila Waidyaratne, Secretary of Defense and the Commander of the Army, Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, were among those participated.
(The featured picture at the top shows Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena with Army Commander Lt.Gen.Mahesh Senanayake and his aides)
