The Minister Counsellor (Defence) attached to the Sri Lanka High Commission in London, Brigadier Priyanka Fernando was recalled to Sri Lanka due to security concerns, Army Commander-in-Chief Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake said.

Brigadier Priyanka Fernando was summoned to the country before the completion of his time of service, said Senanayake.

He made this statement while participating in the opening of a new building complex at Wanni Security Force Headquarters 56 Division.

Brigadier Priyanka Fernando arrived in the country on February 22 after being recalled by the government. 

A video appeared on social media depicting Brigadier Priyanka Fernando making certain gestures aimed at members from the Tamil community who were engaging in a protest outside the Sri Lankan High Commission in London on Sunday (4), as Sri Lanka marked the 70th anniversary of independence.

In this connection, instructions were sent to Sri Lanka’s High Commissioner in London on Tuesday (6), to suspend the Minister Counsellor (Defence) from work, with immediate effect, the release said, adding that authorities in Sri Lanka including the Sri Lanka Army will initiate inquiries on the incident immediately. 

On February 07 President Maithripala Sirisena revoked the suspension of Brigadier Priyanka Fernando from duties as the Minister Counsellor (Defence) attached to the Sri Lanka High Commission in London.

Sri Lanka Army (SLA) sent a letter to the Brigadier seeking justification for his actions during the incident.

However, a number of accusations were levied against the reinstatement of Brigadier Priyanka Fernando in diplomatic level.

Accordingly, the SLA decided to summon Brigadier Priyanka Fernando for an inquiry on his behavior, said Army Spokesman during the weekly cabinet media briefing this week.