‪‬Greens MP Adam Bandt has expressed dismay at the Australian government's approval of a former naval commander as the new Sri Lanka High Commissioner to Australia.‬
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Mr Bandt said the decision could undermine Australia's ability to play a positive to role in supporting human rights and peace in Sri Lanka.‬

‪"Admiral Samarasinghe is the wrong man for the job," Mr Bandt said.‬

‪"The UN has said there needs to be an investigation into war crimes by the navy on his watch."‬
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"The government is responsible for doing due diligence in the wake of the claims about war crimes and human rights abuses."‬

"The Australian government would be wise to not accept ex-military officers for diplomatic positions."‬

"The government needs to revisit this decision."‬