Exclusive: Sri Lanka’s Military Intelligence in Turmoil After Appointment of Allegedly Disqualified Officer

by Our Correspondent in Colombo

The appointment of a new Director of Military Intelligence yesterday has sparked allegations of growing political influence within Sri Lanka’s military establishment, with sources claiming the selection bypassed professional standards that traditionally governed one of the army’s most sensitive institutions.

According to military sources, the Military Intelligence Directorate has historically operated with a strong reputation for integrity under successive army commanders. While efforts had been made over the years to associate the intelligence apparatus with political figures and administrations, the institution was generally regarded as functioning within a professional military framework.

The controversy surrounding yesterday’s appointment centers on claims that the officer selected is both junior in rank and lacking key intelligence qualifications. Sources alleged that the newly appointed head of Military Intelligence has not completed a basic intelligence course, a qualification they argue is essential for overseeing the directorate.

Military sources described the appointment as the culmination of what they characterized as a year-long political effort. They alleged that political affiliation, rather than professional merit, was the decisive factor behind the selection, calling it the clearest indication yet of increasing political influence over senior military appointments.

The debate has also drawn attention to previous leadership appointments within Military Intelligence. During the period when former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka commanded the army, Major General Dhammika Liyanage and later Major General Amal Karunasekara were appointed to head the directorate despite not emerging directly from conventional intelligence backgrounds. According to the sources, both officers discharged their responsibilities effectively and were not linked to allegations of fraud or misconduct during their tenure.

Following the National People’s Power government’s rise to power, Major General Deeptha Ariyasinghe was appointed to lead Military Intelligence after the removal of senior intelligence officers. Sources acknowledged that his political affiliations were visible but maintained that he possessed the necessary military qualifications and did not compromise the institution while serving in the role.

In contrast, the newly appointed director has become the focus of more serious criticism. Sources alleged that he had faced accusations related to a series of frauds and lacked the qualifications expected of a Military Intelligence chief. They claimed that his appointment was driven primarily by political considerations.

According to reliable sources cited in the information provided, the current Army Commander was not in favor of the appointment and had raised concerns about the potential long-term impact such a decision could have on the institution. Those sources further alleged that influential figures outside the military hierarchy played a key role in enabling the appointment despite those objections.

The development has intensified concerns among some military observers about what they describe as an increasing politicization of the armed forces. Sources argued that previous appointments to lead Military Intelligence had not been driven predominantly by political interests and said the latest decision represented a significant departure from established practice.

The newly appointed Director of Military Intelligence is reported to have less than a year remaining in military service and is expected to retire in March 2027. Despite the limited duration of his expected tenure, yesterday’s appointment has triggered renewed scrutiny over the independence of Military Intelligence and the role of political influence in senior military leadership decisions.