Sri Lanka Army Commander receives two year extension

[TamilNet, Wednesday, 26 October 2005, 08:45 GMT]
SL Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shantha Kottegoda has been granted an extension in office till June, 31, 2007 by out going President Chandrika Kumaratunga, Tuesday.

Lt.Gen. Kottegoda was appointed Sri Lankas Army Commander in July, 2004 and granted one year's extension, already in November, 2004 when he reached the retirement age of 55.

Sri Lankan president also gave her approval for a proposal to fix the Retirement-age of Major Generals at 58, a raise from the present age of 55, lankan defence officials said.

Even though the President has given her approval to raise the age of retirement, it will need Parliamentary approval before it becomes effective, they said.

The recommendation to increase the age of retirement for those in positions of Major-General was made by the Defence Secretary, Asoka Jayawardana, the sources confirmed.