Colombo, Oct 11: Sri Lankan President Chandrika Kumaratunga has promoted Army chief Lionel Balagalle as Chief of Defence Staff and extended his term till June next year, military officials said. The government had recommended that Balagella be made Chief of Defence Staff. Balagalle would become Chief of Defence Staff in addition to being the commander of the army. The defence chief`s post has remained vacant for over a year.
Kumaratunga granted Balagalle an extension till June next year as he was expected to retire by December, the sources said. Bureau Report