US bans visits by Sri Lanka’s Army Commander & family over human rights violations

The Department of State (DoS) of the United States (US) banned visits by Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva and his immediate family members t the country over alleged human rights violations that were committed during civil war which came to an end ten years ago, a statement said. 

“The Department of State has designated Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva, current Commander of the Sri Lanka Army and Acting Chief of Defense Staff, as required under Section 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, due to credible information of his involvement, through command responsibility, in gross violations of human rights, namely extrajudicial killings, by the 58th Division of the Sri Lanka Army during the final phase of Sri Lanka’s Civil War in 2009,” 

“The allegations of gross human rights violations against Shavendra Silva, documented by the United Nations and other organizations, are serious and credible.  His designation underscores the importance we place on human rights in Sri Lanka and globally, our concern over impunity for human rights violations and abuses, as well as our support for promoting accountability for those who engage in such acts.  We urge the Sri Lankan government to promote human rights, hold accountable individuals responsible for war crimes and human rights violations, advance security sector reform, and uphold its other commitments to pursue justice and reconciliation,” the statement reads. 

Emphasizing that the US deeply values the partnership with the Sri Lankan government and the long-standing democratic tradition it shares with the Sri Lankan people, the DoS said that the United States remains committed to strengthening the bilateral relationship with Sri Lanka and helping reshape its security forces to tackle current and emerging threats.  Security cooperation will continue to emphasize respect for human rights as a fundamental component of our training, assistance, and engagements.

The statement also noted that the United States will continue to use all available tools and authorities, as appropriate, to address human rights violations and abuses around the world no matter when they occurred or who perpetrated them.  “Today’s actions underscore our commitment to support human rights, promote accountability for perpetrators, and encourage reconciliation in support of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous Sri Lanka,”