Over 5600 Court martialed in SL

The government today said that some 421 military officers and 5205 other rankers were court-martialed since 2006 with Commodore T.M.P Mendis who was convicted of failing to take adequate safety measures and counter actions to protect the Galle Naval Base from the terrorist attack on October 18, 2006 among those who were martialed.

The government gave these details to the House as an answer to a question by United National Party (UNP) MP Ravi Karunanayake. Chief Government Whip Dinesh Gunawardane answered the question on behalf of the subject minister.

According to the answer, 12 officers were tried before a court martial in 2006, 38 in 2007, 36 in 2008, 184 in 2009, 63, 2010, 59 in 2011, 24 in 2012 and five this year so far.

Raising a supplementary question, Mr. Karunanayake asked as to why the details about action against former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka were not included in the answer.

“We all know the former commander was taken before several courts martial. You have not detailed out action against him,” he said.

The Chief Whip replied that it could be revealed if a separate question was asked formally. (KB & YP)