The Sri Lanka Army has issued a clarification denying allegations circulating on social media regarding administrative decisions and the recent retirement of several officers.
The Army said certain platforms were misrepresenting routine administrative processes to discredit the institution.
In an official statement, the Army said the claims, including allegations of forged documents and unauthorized dismissals, were baseless and lacked an understanding of its internal procedures.
The statement noted that officer retirements follow established service regulations and evaluations based on rank, conduct, and eligibility criteria.
Retirements are often linked to officers reaching their maximum tenure within a rank if they do not qualify for promotion, the Army explained. It noted that these decisions are not unilateral but are taken collectively by selection and advisory boards comprising senior officers.
It further clarified that in the past, exceptions were made for some officers, especially those who served during the civil conflict, to extend their service beyond standard limits. However, these exceptions had begun affecting overall efficiency and morale within the ranks, prompting a return to standard regulatory procedures.
The Army dismissed claims that retirements were politically motivated or retaliatory, stating that recent decisions were made to ensure institutional integrity and professional advancement for eligible officers. (Newswire)