Unfair to level war crime allegations: Gen. Gerry de Silva

27 October 2016 12:02 pm Views - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}} 12 Bookmark

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Former Army Commander, Retired General Gerry de Silva yesterday said that it was unfair to level war crime allegations against Sri Lankan forces and having inquiries into them, without having a proper idea on what really took place in the humanitarian mission and finding out both sides of the story.

Addressing a media briefing held to brief the launch of his book tiled War Heroes-Killed in Action, he said those who were responsible for the amount of casualties caused in the Second World War, were now propagating the theory on war crimes and they were still involved in wars.

“When you are fighting a war, you have to react to enemy’s action immediately which occupies in your mind at that time. The soldiers are fighting for their country by sacrificing their lives to upgrade the unity and integrity of the country. And the LTTE was known to be the most ruthless militant organization in the world. The controversy arises in the final battle field Nanthikadal.

“Then, the LTTE tried to make civilians as human shield to defend themselves. The fight was really tough because at one hand our war heroes had to fight with the terrorists and on the other hand they had a humanitarian mission to save the civilians as much as possible,” the one time Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Pakistan explained.

He said he expected to give deep insights on the dedication, suffering, tribulations and commitments made by Sri Lankan gallant soldiers for the sake of the country.

More than twenty war heroes, who were honored with Parama Weera Vibhushana (PWV) Award for gallantry in battle for their heroic actions including Hasalaka Hero Corporal Kularatne, who died in saving the Elephant Pass Camp in 1991, the late Lieutenant Generals Denzil Kobbekaduwa and Vijaya Wimalaratne, who died from a landmine explosion in 1992 are featured in the book titled War Heroes-Killed in Action.

The book launch will be held on October 28 at the BMICH under the patronage of former President and Kurunegala District MP Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa. (Piyumi Fonseka)

(Pix by Waruna Wanniarachchi)

Comments - 12

Lal Thursday, 27 October 2016 01:05 PM

Thanks to the current govt our forces were saved from investigations unlike Percy who shamelessly went to Geneva and accused our heroes of war crimes and didn't stop UNHRC so he could use it as a boogeyman to get votes

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harith Thursday, 27 October 2016 01:58 PM

Fair statement. When the LTTE were using the citizens as human shields the only two options the soldiers had were to either stop their operations or to fight the battle while protecting the citizens to their best of ability. All the civilian causalities could have been avoided if the foreign governments and the Tamil diaspora some how convinced the LTTE to release the civilians from their areas during the final stages.

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tarzan Thursday, 27 October 2016 02:02 PM

then why late president CBK lost her one eye ?????????????????????????

6 16

Sharon Thursday, 27 October 2016 02:14 PM

Yaa. Percy just saved them from Killer Velu...

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Rohan Thursday, 27 October 2016 02:41 PM

If our leaders are accused of War Crimes, UHCR should be accused for not stopping terrorism for 30 years in Sri Lanka. Sad to know that our country have Sri Lankans who have forgotten how we suffered for 3o years

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Sujeewa Thursday, 27 October 2016 05:34 PM

Lal, are you insane? Did you take your medication for today?

13 20

gune Thursday, 27 October 2016 05:39 PM

Interestingly both Densil K. and Hasalaka Hero are from Kandy...

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Shelly. Thursday, 27 October 2016 06:54 PM

G. De. S. talks about a matter which we all know to please M. R. and G.R. who were present on the stage. He should have at least cleared Vijaya from aligation levelled on him for planning the killing of Denzil . via DM Android App

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Kakla Thursday, 27 October 2016 07:03 PM

Read what MR said in Geneva in 90s he asked UN to investigate SL for war crimes

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kay Friday, 28 October 2016 12:18 AM

The general it is said that it was unfair to level war crime allegations against Sri Lankan forces and having inquiries into them. What is wrong in having an inquiry?? You state your case and the other side states theirs and impartial judges will decide as to who is right. Is that not fair?Or what you say is right and others have no right to state their version?? What sort of democracy it is ?? Are we under martial law?By the way DM does not accept any thump down on the comments Are we denied to express our view on the comments??

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sena Friday, 28 October 2016 03:28 AM

Arrogance is the oppressors way of solving problems. We have had this nonsense for too long.

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Premasi Salgado Saturday, 29 October 2016 10:10 AM

Dear General,Leaving all a side I wish to know why you invited former President and the Secretary Defence for the launch. Couldn't you have done it with out them? I have nothing against them but, as a former Army Commander I never expected such behaviour from you.As a former Commander of the Army had you been neutral it would have been so good and appropriate. good luck!

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