Army Chief extension plans until January 2028 allegedly followed a request from Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, opposition MP Chamara Sampath claims.
Opposition MP Chamara Sampath Dassanayake has alleged that an Army Chief extension until January 2028 is being prepared following a request from Colombo Archbishop Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith.
Speaking at a conference organised by the combined opposition, Dassanayake said the current Army Chief’s term expired on July 2, 2026. He warned that the proposed Army Chief extension could prevent several senior officers, including Nilantha Premaratne, from receiving positions they would otherwise be entitled to hold.
The MP further alleged that the officer expected to become Army Chief in 2028 carries the surname “Fernando.” He claimed that decisions surrounding the appointment process were being made according to the Cardinal’s wishes.
Dassanayake also alleged that Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith exercises considerable influence over senior government appointments. He referred specifically to the Army Chief and the head of the Criminal Investigation Department.
The MP separately claimed that Catholic priests were staying at luxury resorts under military control in the Batticaloa area.
