Major General Sarath Fonseka toured the Jaffna peninsula over the past few days, military sources said yesterday, adding that he would return to Colombo to brief the government of the situation in the peninsula before flying back to take over command of the forces deployed in the area. He was expected to take over Jaffna command on Wednesday.

He would replace Major General Sisira Wijesuriya chosen to take over army’s staff college at Batalanda.

Deputy Chief of Staff Major General Lohan Gunawardene was expected to take over as the Chief of Staff. He replaces Major General Neil Dias. Gunawardene was likely to replace Lieutenant General Lionel Balagalle as the commander of the army when he steps down on June 15. — (SF)