Overall operations commander, A’Pura

Ranil Wijayapala

Following the LTTE attack on the Anuradhapura Air Force Base, the Defence Ministry has appointed Major General Sanath Karunaratne, as the Overall Operations Commander, Anuradhapura with immediate effect, Defence Ministry sources said.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa has approved this appointment today to strengthen security in the area, the sources added.

Accordingly General Karunaratne will be in charge of overall operations of the Sri Lanka Army, Navy, Air Force, Police, Civil Security Department, Commercial Security Agencies and Intelligence Agencies in Anuradhapura. Karunaratne currently functions as the General Officer Commanding of the 11 Division of the Sri Lanka Army, based in Panagoda. Puttalam, Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa districts do not come under the command of the 11 Division.

The appointment has been made with the recommendation from the President in parallel with the appointment of Major General Lawrence Fernando, the Overall Operations Commander of Western Province.