Colombo, August 20 (Adaderana): The Embassy of the United States of America in Colombo today (19) issued a press release stating that the allegations of gross human rights violations against the new Army Commander, 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 release read further.
Major General Shavendra Silva was appointed as the new Army Commander and received his letter of appointment from President Maithripala Sirisena at the Presidential Secretariat this morning.
Parliamentarian M.A. Sumanthiran has deplored President Maithripala Sirisena’s appointment of Major General Shavendra Silva as the new Commander of the Sri Lanka Army.
Posting a tweet on the official Twitter account of the Tamil National Alliance (TNA) today (19), the parliamentarian said the appointment is a “serious affront” to the Tamil people.
The TNA spokesperson also stated that the new Army Commander is “an individual who stands accused of grave crimes.
Speaking to Ada Derana, he said several international reports have levelled allegations against Major General Shavendra Silva and this appointment is a ‘kick in the face’ of Tamil people.
Meanwhile, the Centre for Policy Alternatives (CPA) also raised concerns over the appointment of Major General Shavendra Silva as the new Army Commander.
The CPA urged the government to take immediate steps to review this appointment “in light of the serious allegations levelled against Major General Silva”.
