The United States (US) has expressed deep concern over the appointment of Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva as the new Army Commander by President Maithripala Sirisena and said it would undermine Sri Lanka’s international reputation.
The US Embassy in Colombo yesterday (19) said the allegations of gross human rights violations against him, documented by the United Nations and other organisations, 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.
Lt. General Silva replaces Lt. Gen. Mahesh Senanayake who retired from service on Sunday (18).
The new Army Commander, Lt. General Silva has been accused of war crimes linked to the final stages of the war in 2009 and his name has figured prominently in reports submitted to the UN Human Rights Council (UNHRC).
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