U.S. 'deeply troubled' by Sri Lanka army chief appointment- official

The United States is 'deeply troubled' by the naming of a war veteran accused of serious human rights violations as Sri Lanka's new army chief, a U.S. official said on Tuesday and indicated it could affect military and investment ties.

"It is a highly charged political environment in which some political factions feel there is much to be gained by playing the nationalist card," the senior State Department official said, speaking to reporters on background.

"It is unfortunate that this card is being played through the promotion of a general about who vivid and well documented human rights violations are on the record. We are deeply troubled by the step the government has taken," the official added.

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