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Kadi betrayed trust says Sandagiri

Navy Chief, Daya Sandagiri in a revealing interview with The Sunday Leader has stated his disappointment with the actions of an opposition MP,

Lakshman Kadirgamar, in making available to the media a highly sensitive security report on the situation in the eastern province.

In his interview Sandagiri said, Kadirgamar's actions caused the Navy deep concern but reiterated, he is powerless to prevent such irresponsible behaviour since he is forced to bow to the dictates of his commander in chief, President Chandrika Kumaratunge.

Referring to Kumaratunge as HE, Sandagiri said; "When the Commander in Chief of the armed forces in this instance the President, orders for something to be made available to whoever she chooses, I am in no position to refuse. Even if HE had ordered me to make available this report to soldiers or sailors I am in no position to refuse."

Sandagiri asserted that Kadirgamar had not indicated to him that he intended to release the contents of the confidential document to the press.

Army Commander, Lionel Balagalle was also present at the time as well as the Navy's Eastern Commander, Wasantha Karannagoda who prepared the report and made the presentation at president's house.

Kumaratunge herself had not been present though she had summoned the two service chiefs and Karannagoda. It was only after they had arrived at President's house were they told the details of the security report must be made available to Kadirgamar.

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