Attempts being made to influence administrative processes, Foreign Ministry responds to comments on new Army Chief

The Foreign Ministry today (Aug 20) has responded against the mounting foreign concerns being express regarding the recent appointment of Major General Shavendra Silva as Army Commander, claiming attempts were being made by foreign entities to influence the administrative processes of public service promotions.

Issuing a statement, the Ministry emphasized that the appointment was a "sovereign decision" taken by President Maithripala Sirisena and claimed the comments as being "unwarranted and unacceptable".

Concerns had been raised by the US, several civic groups and organizations including the UN over the newly-appointed Army Chief since he has been accused of human rights violations during the final stages of the war.

Further,  the Foreign Ministry said,  "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."

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