Govt. says statements on new Army Commander ‘unwarranted and unacceptable’

 Outgoing Commander of the Army Lieutenant General Mahesh Senanayake, who was promoted to the rank of General by President Maithripala Sirisena, paid a courtesy call on the latter

yesterday

• Foreign Ministry insists responses by international community are regrettable, contrary to principles of natural justice

The Foreign Ministry yesterday said international concern over the appointment of Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva was “unwarranted and unacceptable”, and contrary to the principles of natural justice upheld by the international community.     

Army Commander Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva

Releasing a short statement, the Foreign Ministry said the appointment of the Army Commander of Sri Lanka is a sovereign decision by the Head of State. President Maithripala Sirisena appointed Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva as the Army Commander on Monday.   

“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 organisations, based on allegations, is regrettable, and contrary to the principles of natural justice espoused by all responsible members of the international community,” it added.