Maj. Gen. Dias denied Aussie visa over C-4 allegations

by Shamindra Ferdinando-December 5, 2013,

Major General Jagath Dias
On the basis of unsubstantiated war crimes allegations, propagated by the UK media outfit, Channel 4 News, Australia has refused to allow Major General Jagath Dias join an ICRC project in Australia this month.

Authoritative sources told The Island that the Australian High Commission had informed the Gajaba Regiment veteran of its decision. Asked whether the Australian HC had given any specific reasons for rejecting the officer’s visa, sources revealed that an attempt was made to persuade him to withdraw his application.

Army headquarters confirmed the Australian decision. The Australian HC wasn’t available for comment.

A senior official alleged that Australia was refusing to host a senior military official on the basis of the ongoing Channel 4 News propaganda campaign against Sri Lanka. The official said that there weren’t any specific charges against Major General Dias over his conduct during eelam war IV. He was tasked with liberating Kilinochchi.

Pointing out that several senior officers had been deprived of the opportunity to attend foreign courses for commanding fighting formations both during the conflict, another senior official said that the government would have to take it up with respective governments.

Both Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa and Sri Lanka’s Deputy Permanent representative at the UN Maj. Gen. Shavendra Silva have publicly challenged Channel 4 News to produce those who were interviewed before international judicial authorities.