Lanka appoints new army chief; reinstates Fonseka loyalists

February 20, 2015 19:00

Major General Chrishantha de Silva was today appointed as the new Sri Lankan army chief by President Maithripala Sirisena, who also reinstated several loyalists of former army chief Sarath Fonseka.

De Silva will succeed Lieutenant General Daya Ratnayake with effect from February 22, Sirisena's office said in a statement. Ratnayake was in office since August, 2013 and will retire tomorrow.

De Silva becomes the 21st Commander of the Sri Lanka army since the island gained independence from Britain in 1948. He had joined the Sri Lanka army as cadet officer in 1980 and has served in many regions including operational areas.

Sirisena has also made several changes in the military hierarchy as the commander in chief.

« Back to LIVE

TOP STORIES

Ready to support Cong to bring down BJP govt in Haryana: JJP

The Congress sought the imposition of President's Rule followed by fresh polls in Haryana.

'I'm The OG Pan India Superstar!'

'I am always rocking.' 'I am a rockstar.' 'That's the way the world will always see me.'

India's automobile retail sales surge 27% in April: FADA

Total vehicle retail sales in India rose 27 per cent year-on-year to 22,06,070 units in April as all segments, including passenger vehicles and two-wheelers, witnessed growth, industry body FADA said on Wednesday. The overall vehicle...

'Ambani, Adani, Tata will move to Dubai if India imposes inheritance tax'

'Sweden removed the inheritance tax because many of the rich were fleeing. For example, the owner of IKEA had migrated out of Sweden'

Modi attacking his 'friends': Cong on 'Ambani-Adani' reference

Modi during an election rally in Telangana said the Congress should explain to people why it has stopped raising the 'Ambani-Adani' issue.