Sri Lanka responds to criticism over new Army Commander

The Sri Lankan Government today issued a strongly worded response to the various comments and statements issued by foreign countries and organizations expressing concern  over the appointment of Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva as Sri Lanka’s new Army Commander. 

Sri Lanka’s foreign ministry, issuing a statement said that appointment of the Army Commander of Sri Lanka is a sovereign decision by the Head of State.

It further said that foreign entities trying to influence the decisions and internal administrative processes of public service promotions in Sri Lanka is “unwarranted and unacceptable”.

“Articulating a position of concern on this appointment by certain bilateral partners and international organizations, based on allegations, is regrettable and contrary to the principles of natural justice espoused by all responsible members of the international community,” it said.

The US Embassy in Colombo as well as the UN Human Rights High Commissioner had issued statement voicing concern over the appointment of Silva as the Army Commander.