Sri Lanka dismisses concerns by foreign entities over army chief's appointment

Source:Xinhua Published: 2019/8/22 12:17:15

Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva assumes duties as the 23rd Commander of the Sri Lankan Army at the Sri Lanka Army Headquarters on Aug. 21, 2019. Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena appointed senior military officer Silva as the country's new army commander earlier this week after promoting him to the rank of Lieutenant General. (Xinhua)


 
The Sri Lankan Foreign Ministry said on Wednesday that the appointment of Shavendra Silva as the island country's new army chief was a sovereign decision by the head of state and dismissed concerns over the appointment by foreign entities as "unwarranted and unacceptable."

"Foreign entities trying to influence the decisions and internal administrative processes of public service promotions in Sri Lanka is unwarranted and unacceptable," the Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

"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," the statement added.

Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena appointed senior military officer Silva as the country's new army commander earlier this week after promoting him to the rank of Lieutenant General.

However, some foreign entities have expressed concerns over his appointment, saying Silva faced allegations of human rights violation.

Posted in: ASIA-PACIFIC

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