A few weeks ago, the defence ministry sent instructions to the Navy commander to take action against Yoshitha for having undertaken foreign tours at his own discretion without obtaining prior written or oral permission from the commander or any other superior officer, when he was attached to the presidential secretariat.

However, the top Navy officials at the time had failed to take any disciplinary action against him.

The Navy conducted an internal inquiry into his arbitrary actions a few months ago and a report sent to the ministry.

Callous disregard for law

Commenting on this, convener of the National Movement for a Just Society Prof. Sarath Wijesudirya said Yoshitha had violated the Navy laws on many occasions.

He had gone overseas on 74 occasions, but had obtained prior permission on 33 occasions only, which shows his callous disregard for the law.

The defence ministry is also investigating to initiate action against persons who had sanctioned the spending of around Rs. 20 million to send Yoshitha for a foreign training.