Ensuring Stability and Justice: The Case for Extending the Army Commander's Tenure
The National People's Power (NPP) government of Sri Lanka has embarked on a historic and delicate mission: to uncover the full truth behind the 2019 Easter Sunday attacks and to hold all perpetrators accountable, while also addressing deep-seated corruption within state institutions. These legal proceedings and investigations are critical for justice and national reconciliation. However, they operate in a volatile environment where powerful interests are threatened. The stability of the country, and the success of these initiatives, may hinge on a single, crucial decision: retaining the current Army Commander, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage, in his post until the legal process surrounding the Easter Sunday attacks is complete.
A Government Committed to Justice
The NPP government has demonstrated a firm commitment to pursuing justice for the 270 victims of the Easter Sunday bombings. This involves not only prosecuting the direct perpetrators but also investigating potential lapses and complicity within the state apparatus that may have allowed the attacks to occur . The government’s decision to investigate former high-ranking military officers for corruption and their role in the tragedy is a testament to this commitment.
These investigations are inevitably drawing scrutiny towards powerful figures, including those linked to the previous Rajapaksa administration. The Channel 4 documentary and subsequent investigations have implicated elements of the state intelligence services in facilitating the attacks to create instability, a claim that has been strongly denied by former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa . As the net tightens, the risk of pushback from those invested in protecting the former leadership and obstructing justice becomes a significant national security concern.
The Threat of Internal Instability
The search for justice is not without its risks. As the investigation progresses, it may trigger unrest among Rajapaksa loyalists currently serving in the Sri Lankan Army. There are also concerns that certain segments supportive of Major General Suresh Sallay, who is under detention for his alleged role in the attacks, might attempt to create havoc within the military to pressure the government and protect those implicated . The military, an institution with significant power and influence, could become a flashpoint for instability if these factions feel their interests are under direct threat.
This risk is compounded by allegations that the NPP government is politicizing the intelligence services . In an environment where the military and intelligence apparatus are seen as instruments of political control rather than national security, the legitimacy of the government's actions could be questioned, leading to a breakdown in discipline and trust. The appointment of a new Army Commander who does not align with the NPP government's objectives could exacerbate these tensions.
The Case for Extending the Current Commander’s Tenure
In this volatile climate, the presence of a stable, respected, and professional Army Commander is non-negotiable. Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage has been widely recognized for his commitment to the NPP government's initiatives. His professionalism and impartiality are crucial for maintaining the army's discipline and ensuring it remains a neutral institution focused on its constitutional duties.
In December 2024, the government made a policy decision not to extend the tenures of service chiefs who were due to retire, including the Army Commander, signaling a move toward normalization . However, this policy must be weighed against the extraordinary circumstances of the ongoing Easter Sunday investigation. Removing a commander who has earned the trust of both the government and the military at this critical juncture could be a catastrophic misstep. A new commander, lacking the same relationship with the government or facing pressure from powerful factions, may not share the same commitment to supporting the legal proceedings, thereby compromising the entire pursuit of justice.
The NPP government must demonstrate strategic flexibility. A temporary extension for Lieutenant General Liyanage, even if it appears to contradict the new policy, would be a necessary measure to safeguard national security and ensure the successful completion of the legal process. Stability in the top military leadership provides a continuity of command that is essential for managing the internal tensions and external threats that may arise as the investigations proceed. The government must prioritize the success of its anti-corruption and justice agenda over a rigid application of policy.