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US deeply concerned over Shavendra’s appointment

19 Aug, 2019

The United States is deeply concerned?by the appointment of Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva as Army Commander.

The US Embassy in Colombo headed by Ambassador Alaina Teplitz said that the allegations of gross human rights violations against him, documented by the United Nations and other organizations, are serious and credible.

“This appointment undermines Sri Lanka?s international reputation and its commitments to promote justice and accountability, especially at a time when the need for reconciliation and social unity is paramount,” the US Embassy in Colombo said.

President Maithripala Sirisena appointed Major General Shavendra Silva as the new Commander of the Army today.

Shavendra Silva was appointed to the post despite concerns raised over the risk his appointment may pose to Sri Lanka?s cooperation with UN Peacekeeping operations and the defence cooperation between the US and Sri Lanka.

Shavendra Silva replaces Lt. Gen. Mahesh Senanayake who retired from service yesterday (Sunday).

Major General Shavendra Silva has been accused of war crimes linked to the final stages of the war.

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