Ministry of Defence Responds to Queries Over Blacklisting of Retired Personnel
The Ministry of Defence has provided a response to queries raised by the National People's Power (NPP) regarding the blacklisting of two retired armed forces personnel, including retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, for their association with the NPP.
MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake, the leader of the NPP, addressed Parliament today, questioning the reason for the ban imposed on the two retired forces personnel.
State Minister of Defence, Premitha Bandara Tennakoon, responded to the question, clarifying that the Air Force and Sri Lanka Army have not imposed any ban prohibiting retired personnel from engaging in politics.
The State Minister further stated that a ban was imposed on retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha due to a statement made during his appearance on a recent political stage in Gampaha. This statement was deemed a threat to national security and a breach of discipline by the Sri Lanka Air Force. The State Minister also noted that this was only one of many reasons for the ban.
However, the State Minister pointed out that the ban was only imposed on the two retired personnel and no action has been taken against other retired armed forces personnel working with the NPP.
The State Minister added that retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha has been prohibited from entering any Air Force camps due to his statement urging armed forces personnel to join hands with him. Such actions could result in a conflict of interest for officers on duty and lead to animosity against the nation's leader and properties, which is deemed a threat to national security.
The matter was brought to Parliament after the NPP revealed that retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, a decorated pilot of the 09 Mi 24 attack helicopter squadron during Sri Lanka's civil war, has been blacklisted by the Air Force for his involvement with the NPP.
By Polito
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