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SL Military did not commit war crimes: President
President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday said Sri Lanka’s armed forces have not committed war crimes and those making such allegations were linked to the LTTE.
President Maihripala addressing the gethering. Pic by Indika Handuwala
“Some media organisations and some extremist organisations try to make out that the UN Human Rights Council has made allegations of war crimes against our armed forces. Those who speak about war crimes are those who live across our shores and who have extremist views, and are linked to the LTTE,” he said.
The President made these comments at the ceremony held at the memorial for the fallen soldiers at Sri Jayawardene- pura Kotte, to mark the 9th anniversary of the defeat of the LTTE. It was attended by heads of the armed forces as well as family members of fallen war heroes.
He said the Sri Lanka armed forces defeated the LTTE in May 2009, making massive sacrifices.
“Thousands of armed forces personnel, police and civil security personnel, as well as civilians were killed during the war. We are unable to count the dead during the 30-year period of war. We cannot properly count the number of people killed in Colombo due to bomb blasts. Therefore, the Sri Lanka Government and the nation as a whole, must respect those who gave up their lives in order to protect the unity, territorial integrity, sovereignty, freedom and democracy of the country,” he said.
He said that, during the war, the total number of military personnel who died stood at 28,708, while 40,107 were disabled.
“As I mentioned earlier, we are unable to count the number of dead and injured civilians during the 30-year war but, we believe that the number is around 100,000. They were Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and all other communities,” he said
“Today, some people have forgotten how the war took place and come to wrong conclusions.
The President said he is saddened that some are unable to differentiate between a terrorist and a war hero. He said some ministers in the Government and some Opposition politicians have that problem. He said some NGOs that make a living by disrupting the country too have the same problem.
| Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya for 50 Military officials The President conferred the Vishista Seva Vibhushanaya (Distinguished Service Medal) on 50 senior military officials including the Commanders of the Sri Lanka Army, Navy and Air Force. The Presidential Secretariat said among the recipients were 25 Army, 23 Navy and 2 Air Force personnel that included the respective Commanders as well. | |