The Ministry of Defence has provided a response to the National People’s Power (NPP) queries over the blacklisting of two former armed forces personnel, including retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, for their involvement with the NPP.

Addressing Parliament today, NPP leader MP Anura Kumara Dissanayake questioned the reason for the ban imposed on the two retired forces personnel.

Responding to his question, State Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Tennakoon clarified that the Air Force and Sri Lanka Army have not imposed any form of a ban prohibiting retired personnel from engaging in politics.

He further said, however, a ban was imposed on retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha for a statement made during his appearance on a recent political stage in Gampaha which was deemed a threat to national security and a breach of discipline by the Sri Lanka Air Force.

Stating that this was just one reason among many, the State Minister of Defence pointed out that only the two retired personnel have been banned, while no action has been initiated against the other retired armed forces personnel working with the NPP.

The State Minister added that retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha has been prohibited from entering any Air Force camps due to his statement urging armed forces personnel to join hands with him, which could result in a conflict of interest for officers in duty and lead to animosity against the nation’s leader and properties, which is deemed a threat to national security.

The matter was brought before Parliament after the NPP on Thursday revealed that retired Air Vice Marshal Sampath Thuyacontha, a decorated pilot of the 09 Mi 24 attack helicopter squadron during Sri Lanka’s civil war, has been blacklisted by the Air Force for his involvement with the NPP. (NewsWire)