‘Cut Your Throat’ Gesture In UK & Questions To The Defenders In SL
Much has been spoken of the incident involving our Military Attaché in UK. The duties of a Military Attache is well articulated byDushy Ranetunge in an article in Colombo Telegraph, quote “…The function of the military attaché to the Sri Lankan mission in London is not to be its security guard. He/she is the point of contact for British security agencies, to enhance the security of both nations, with periodic meetings for security cooperation between the two nations….”. It is clear his act has no relevance to his official role.
Hence, the incident needs no further review but the reactions by the people in power needs attention.
Army Commander Mahesh Senanayake came to the defense of the Military Attaché and stated “On the day of the incident the protesters who were carrying LTTE flags had shouted slogans against the Sri Lankan government and sung songs in praise of Prabhakaran. The Brigadier who was standing inside the premises of the Sri Lankan HC had pointed to the Sri Lankan flag on the shoulder of his uniform and gestured that the Sri Lankan government had already ‘taken care’ of Prabhakaran,”.
Question to the Army Commander; is your assertion that the perception of flag waving protestors hither to was that Prabhakaran died of a ‘Heart Attack’. ????Does the act by the Military Attaché conform to the best of traditions & to the phraseology of an “Officer and Gentlemen”????
State Minister of Defense Ruwan Wijewardene too lauded our Military Attaché stating “My preference is for Brigadier Fernando as he had given the right signal to pro LTTE Diaspora,”
Question to the Mr State Minister; do you mean your government has given the wrong signal to the LTTE Dispora?In contrary; isn’t the act by the Brigadier gave the much needed publicity at no cost for the LTTE Diaspora???
Minister Navin Dissanayake said Military Attaché enjoys diplomatic immunity for actions performed within the embassy premises and that it was most disturbing and offensive to witness protesters being allowed to carry flags belonging to the LTTE in the UK where the organization has been banned.
Questions to the Mr Minister; No one challenges the diplomatic immunity but; whether his actions conform to the well established “Diplomatic Norm, Form & Conduct” that entails such immunity???
