Refugees from a war where Sri Lanka announced the victory against Tamil Tigers over a month ago

Presenting the bill to appoint a Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) the prime minister told parliament on Thursday that the top commander shall be responsible for the coordination of activities between the armed forces and the Defence Ministry.

"The aim is to formalise the coordination between heads of the armed forces and to implement decisions taken," Prime Minister Ratnasiri Wickramanayake told the parliament.

The CDS shall function under the direction, supervision and control of the defence ministry secretary.

Opposition support

Main opposition United National Party (UNP) said they too were supporting the idea of a Chief of Defence staff although the defence secretary is given "more powers than a minister".

"This raises the question whether the move is in violation of the constitution," John Amaratunga of the UNP told parliament before voting in favour of a CDS.

'Undermining parliament'

Human rights activists warn that the appointment of a powerful CDS will undermine the parliament.

"This is the time to take steps for peace, not for war," Asian Human Rights Commission Executive Director Basil Fernando told BBC Sandeshaya.