By Dilanthi Jayamanne

Navy Chief Vice Admiral, Daya Sandagiri said on Wednesday that the extension of his services by three years from September 1 would not affect the promotions of the other six senior Rear Admirals. Addressing a press conference he said that of the six only two were made permanent in their posts from March last year.

The other four would follow in due course, Sandagiri said pointing out that it would take some time for them to receive permanency in their positions. "The other four would receive their permanency in 2002 and 2003, the Vice Admiral pointed out.

"All six of them are not 50 years old yet, and I can vouch you that my extension would not force them to retire without receiving their due promotions," he stressed.

Sandagiri pointed out that the government had taken steps to extend the services of the ‘Major General,’ position in the Army up to 55 years. "So I cannot imagine why they would not see it fit to extend the services of Navy personnel in the same manner," the Navy Chief quipped.

He pointed out the reason for this by saying that it was to increase the strength of the forces within a short period. As such the personnel were given their promotions even before the due time.

"I am proud that the President has had faith in me to extend my term in the Navy and to serve my country," he said adding that this was a first for the Navy to have the service of one of its chiefs to be extended. Sandagiri added that the six rear admirals were equally capable of serving their country and nation.

The Rear Admirals who are in the waiting list are: Mohan Wijewickrema, Vasantha Karannagoda, Sarath Weerasekera, Nandana Tuduwewatte and Daya Dharmapriya.

Earlier the media claimed that an officer holding the position of ‘Rear Admiral’, could only serve for another three years if he does not receive his promotion on time while adding that the extension of the Navy Chief would block the chances of the other six rear admirals to receive their promotions.

Meanwhile, the Navy Chief was requested to comment on his stand on the agreement between the government and LTTE regarding sea passage said that he had pointed out the pros and cons on the issue to the government. "But the government had decided to take a political objective on the issue and I will give my fullest co-operation to their decision." He added that there would be no hindrance to Navy operations through this.