US concerned about the appointment of new army chief
Posted on August 21st, 2019
RANJITH SOYSA
US Ambassador while expressing her concerns regards the appointment of Gen Shavendra de Silva, a valiant soldier and exemplary leader who fought a war against the so-called invincible Tamil Tigers, the world’s most brutal terrorist group and helped to restore the law and order for 20 million Sri Lankas condescendingly says it should not be seen as interference or attempt to dictate. But, the prompt reaction of the USA speaks of itself.
One wonders whether Sri Lanka has ever commented on the US armed forces personnel and their placements. I do not remember Sri Lanka ever being a cuckoo. If so, how is that the USA had to cry down this deserving recognition of a soldier who had almost sacrificed his life to regain the land for its people.
The US Ambassador proceeded to mention the allegations of gross HR violations against the appointee, Sri Lanka’s reputation and how the appointment affects the reconciliation, etc. adding a discordant dint to the presumed innocent comment.
Firstly, let us be clear that the allegations will have to be proved beyond any reasonable doubt before hanging a person. The mere fact that the partisan commentators in the UN, UNHCR and other NGOs and fellow travelers of the Tamil Tigers attempt to darken the war effort of the armed forces of Sri Lanka, such statements should be subjected to scrutiny and investigation before a responsible person attempts to issue a public statement. By quoting various sources one cannot be considered as authentic. Only the proper investigation conducted in the issues relating to war was by the LLRC and they are on record that the actions of the armed forces did not result in war crimes.
To level down the discussion now let us turn our eyes to the games played by the US forces. In May 2019 James Palmer wrote an article ‘America loves excusing Its War Criminals’ and says that a report is being prepared to pardon the war criminals by the US administration. In March 2019, US Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo stated that the USA would withdraw or deny visas to any International Criminal Court personnel investigating possible war crimes by the USA or allied forces in Afghanistan. In June 2018 USA withdrew from UN Human Rights Council calling it a :” cesspit of political bias and it was a hypocritical body that makes mockery of human rights Citing of these sources by the US Ambassador as sources of information about ‘war crimes’ of Sri Lankan army is perhaps is beating the Devil’s tattoo?
But, I wish to rest my case without touching on the war crimes committed by the US Generals and members of her forces in many theatres of war as the Ambassador is well aware of the sordid details.
RANJITH SOYSA
August 21st, 2019 at 8:52 pm
Who knows… US must have been planning for influencing the Army for a coup to take over power when Gota comes to power. It can be easily done with a disciplined army like ours with only the top brass bought by them. Fonseka still has his men in the Army who would listen to him. Runil can influence Fonseka and get it done.
In this regard, thanks to My3. The perpetrators can’t do it with Shavendra.
These powers are not giving up. They may have plan B or C or D.
Few days ago they lost the land pact in the Parliament. It is a big blow and that is why Kiriella is so disturbed.
August 21st, 2019 at 10:30 pm
@Hiranthe
US must have been planning for influencing the Army for a coup to take over power when Gota comes to power.
Why ? He is a US citizen ! It is the best option for US. So fat US had been extremely supportive of him. No one has influence over army than him.
August 22nd, 2019 at 2:10 am
To call a spade a spade, it was Sirisena who promoted real war heroes. They were kept out of the military by Rajapaksas after winning the war. They include Sarath Fonseka, Shavendra Silva, Jagath Chula Dias, Mahesh Senanayake, etc. Why weren’t they made the army commander by Rajapaksas?
August 22nd, 2019 at 8:47 am
Outsiders are interfering because we have no respect to our own system in the government. We are abusing our own people with no regard to law and order in the country. So it is open season. This will not happen in UK,USA or any other developed country because they respect the system they are living by. Our leaders are so corrupt and abusive, have open the door for outsiders run down our war heroes. We must blame ourselves for this sorry situation.
August 22nd, 2019 at 8:49 am
By the way we are also concerned about the loose cannon in the WH.