No Politics For Serving Army Officers

By Munza Mushtaq

No serving army officer can engage in politics or political related activities as per Section 120 of the Penal Code and the Army Act and anyone who defies these regulations will be strictly dealt with, Military Spokesman Brigadier Udaya Nanayakkara declared last week.

His comments came amidst continuous hype over media reports that former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka who returned to the country from the United States on Thursday morning was to be fielded as a common opposition candidate in the event of a presidential election next year.

“Section 120 of the Penal Code and the Army Act clearly states that no serving army officer can engage in politics while in service,” Nanayakkara told The Sunday Leader.  When queried whether this regulation applies to even the current Chief of Defence Staff General Fonseka, Nanayakkara said, “General Fonseka is still a serving officer, he is the senior most serving officer in the army and so this Act applies to him as well.”

However, the military spokesman maintained that those who have retired from military service could engage in politics.

Recentaly, Army Commander Jagath Jayasuriya warned that any army officer or a soldier who engaged in political work will be subjected to disciplinary action and face discharge from the forces.

“Any army officer  or a soldier wearing a uniform has no right whatsoever to engage in political work with any contesting candidates and any such soldier or officer if found will be subjected to disciplinary action and face discharge from the army,” the Army Commander said.