Lanka sacks spy chief after unrest in Tamil north

Sri Lanka today sacked its spy chief amid suspicions that a notorious sword-wielding gang operating in the northern Jaffna peninsula was being backed by a section of the military, creating unrest in the Tamil-dominated area.

The Defence Ministry announced the removal of head of military intelligence Suresh Sallay and replaced him with Brigadier Vijendra Gunatillake. The move came amid suspicion that the military was backing the terror group named 'Ava Group' operating in the northern Jaffna peninsula.

Addressing reporters, Cabinet spokesman and Minister of Health Rajitha Senaratne said the Ava Group was a creation of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa's regime.

"They formed this group to counter the LTTE and other armed groups in the north," he said.

Senaratne said former defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, who was also Mahinda's brother, was responsible for the creation of Ava Group.

"Some retired military officers and the former defence secretary think they can create problems for the government by causing unrest in the north," Senaratne said, adding that the government was capable of cracking down on the group and eliminating their threat.

Jaffna residents have been complaining of violence by the sword-wielding group. They were charged of attacking state intelligence operatives two weeks ago in Jaffna.

Acts of violence by Ava group have recently increased in Jaffna suburbs such as Manipay, Kopay and Chunnakam.

It is believed this group was being backed by some politicians and former members of the LTTE. The group is also said to draw inspiration from South Indian films.

The group has been accused of murder, plunder of property and assault. People are in fear due to its attacks which have caused serious injuries to the victims.