In a bid to correct misunderstandings and misinformation regarding present army commander’s conduct during the northeast war period, Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena has conveyed Sri Lanka’s objections against the US travel restrictions imposed on him.
He expressed Sri Lanka’s concerns and objections on the US stance when United States Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina B Teplitz called on him at his ministry in Colombo yesterday.
The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Alaina B Teplitz has affirmed that she will convey to Washington DC of Sri Lanka’s strong objections to the travel restriction imposed on Army Lieutenant General Shavendra Silva.
Foreign Relations Minister Dinesh Gunawardena yesterday(16) formally conveyed to the US Ambassador Alaina Teplitz Sri Lanka’s strong objections on the imposition of travel restrictions by the Government of the United States of America on Lt. Gen. Shavendra Silva, Commander of the Army and Actg. Chief of Defence Staff, as well as his immediate family.
Earlier on Friday (14), the Foreign Ministry had issued the Government of Sri Lanka’s immediate reaction following the announcement by the US Secretary of State.
During his discussion, the Minister reiterated that Lt. Gen. Silva was appointed as the Commander of the Army by the then Head of State, taking into account his seniority and that there were no substantiated or proven allegations of human rights violations against him.
His elevation as the Actg. Chief of Defence Staff by the current Head of State President Gotabaya Rajapaksa was on account of his being the senior-most serving military officer.
Noting that Lt. Gen. Silva was one of the senior military officials who contributed significantly to liberate Sri Lanka from terrorism over a decade ago, the Minister said it is disappointing that a foreign government should question the prerogative of a democratically elected President to call upon persons of proven expertise to hold key positions on national security-related matters.
The Minister said this action unnecessarily complicates the US-Sri Lanka relationship. Foreign Relations Minister asked that the United States Government review its decision.
Ambassador Teplitz informed that she would convey the concerns of the Government of Sri Lanka to Washington DC, and reiterated the continued commitment of the US Government to all aspects of ongoing collaborations with Sri Lanka and to ensure its expansion, including in the field of defence.
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