REFUGEE

The Defence Secretary has decided to appoint Major General Parakrama Pannipitiya, who has been suspended from duties following accusations leveled against him of being involved in treasure hunting, as the Army Chief of Staff after recalling him to the force.

Former Army Chief, General Sarath Fonseka instituted disciplinary action against Major General Parakrama Pannipitiya for his alleged involvement in treasure hunting during the period of the war. Sources from the Army Headquarters say the decision to appoint such an officer to a senior position in the force has been taken with the intension of hurting the General’s pride.

In order to pave the way for Major General Parakrama Pannipitiya’s new appointment, the Defence Secretary has

informed current Army Chief of Staff Major General Mendaka Samarasinghe that he would be posted to a Sri Lankan mission in Europe.