Sri Lankan government on Monday appointed former army commander General SH Shantha Kottegoda as new Defense Secretary while the adamant police chief who had refused to comply by President’s directives to step down has been sent on compulsory leave.
The changes in position came in the aftermath of Easter Sunday attacks in the country that left 253 killed and over 500 injured as churches and hotels were targeted by Islamic State, which claimed the responsibility later.
General Kottegoda headed the army in 2004-05 and was appointed new defence secretary after his predecessor had resigned last week in wake of attacks.
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President Maithripala Sirisena had also called on police chief Pujith Jaysundara to resign but he did not oblige and was sent on compulsory leave. An active chief has been appointed.
