REFUGEE

Dec 15, Colombo: Sri Lanka government is to appoint a committee to probe and clarify the accusations made by the former Army commander General Sarath Fonseka in an interview to the Sunday Leader newspaper against Defense Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa.

Speaking to media at the Government Information Department, Media Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena Minister said the statement made by the former Army chief was highly derogatory in nature and it has caused irreparable damage to the image of the country.

In an interview to the Sunday Leader newspaper, the former commander accused the Secretary of Defence of ordering to kill the surrendering LTTE leaders and Commander of the 58 Division, then Brigadier, now Major General Shavendra Silva of carrying out the orders.

However, the presidential contender said his statements were misinterpreted by the media and he takes full responsibility for the military operations of the Army. The Army has never committed any war crimes and has acted according to international of humanitarian laws, he said.

Minister Abeywardena said his statements irreparably damaged the country's image and provided fuel for the international forces to set fire to the image of Sri Lanka.

In the heels of Fonseka's damning interview, the British daily The Times said the unverified video aired by the UK's Channel 4 TV in August allegedly showing men in Army uniforms executing prisoners was authentic.

The Times said an analysis by an independent forensic video specialist suggested the video is authentic and no evidence of digital manipulation, editing, or other special effects.

The Sri Lankan government rejected the video as false and malicious. Four government experts concluded that the video was fabricated.