Did not convene meeting regarding Mirihana protest: Defence Secretary

COLOMBO (News 1st); Defence Secretary (Retired) General Kamal Gunaratne stated that the National Security Council (NSC) did NOT convene a meeting with regard to the protest staged opposite the President's Private Residence in Mirihana on 31st March.

Issuing a statement, the Defence Secretary refuted such allegations and stressed that no unauthorized persons were invited or allowed to attend NSC meetings.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Defence has also categorically denied the information disseminating on social media platforms stating that incumbent Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army, General Shavendra Silva is holding the present appointment without legitimate service extension which is falsely fabricated in order to mislead the general public.

The statement read, the service extension granted to the Chief of Defence Staff and Commander of the Army General Shavendra Silva is still in force and it was effective from December 31st, 2021.