UN mum on post

Thursday, 26 August 2010 03:40

By Jamila Najmuddin

The United Nations (UN) refused to comment on the appointment of Major General Shavendra Silva as the new Sri Lankan Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN in New York.

When asked about the appointment at a press briefing in New York, Wednesday, UN spokesman Martin Nesirky refused to comment. The spokesman was also asked if UN Secretary General Ban ki-moon can refuse to accept the appointment but the UN spokesman said he needed to check on the general procedure.

Major General Silva’s appointment to the UN comes amidst human rights allegations being raised against the government and the military which resulted in UN Secretary General Ban ki-Moon appointing a panel to advise him on Sri Lanka.

Major General Shavendra Silva was allegedly among those mentioned by MP Sarath Fonseka in a media interview where he had said that the former 58 Division Commander had received orders to shoot at sight LTTE suspects who came with white flags to surrender to the army during the final stage of war. Fonseka was later indicted in Court over his claims.

Meanwhile the UN spokesman said that the panel appointed by the UN Chief to advice him on matters relating to Sri Lanka will meet “soon” but did not give a specific date as to by when they will officially commence work. (Daily Mirror online)

Comments

-30+25 # Citizen 2010-08-26 04:46

This appointment will not change the collected evidence ...

-5+5 # Dina 2010-08-26 16:24

these are part of so called "humanitarian war "...

-5+8 # Gangdhi 2010-08-26 17:53

What evidence? Staements by terrorist in a Kangaroo court appointed by a puppett of faceless hedgemonists.

-9+31 # Marikkar 2010-08-26 05:29

Is this the proper time for such an appointee? The authorities should think twice ...

-5+11 # shanthi 2010-08-26 13:37

yes you are right how about WW.

-61+105 # Victor eyeOne 2010-08-26 08:51

A military man is not that suitable for a position like this.

-26+80 # malkanthi 2010-08-26 09:48

Exactly, this is not a military position, but a person with skill in dimplomacy to safe guard the country at any cost. We have made a blunder in our statements due to some incompetent persons holding high position, this trend should not continue!

-67+84 # Upul 2010-08-26 10:01

Why?
He is not just a soldier but a Major General.
If SF can be a law maker why is Shavendra Silva not suitable for this post?

-41+61 # malkanthi 2010-08-26 10:08

Seperate the two personalities and do an evaluation of their caliber, then you will understand!

-13+30 # Loku 2010-08-26 11:22

Well Malkanthi, it's a very good suggestion but I double the majority in Sri Lanka are capable of objective evaluation of personalities any longer.

-0+2 # banda 2010-08-26 22:49

I doubt your statement, because the srilankans shout a lot but atlast let them fool around by the politicos. See the state of life in our country.

-52+43 # Don 2010-08-26 11:01

He is a all-rounder, we can see the talent in future.

-18+30 # malkanthi 2010-08-26 11:09

Future is analysed from past experience and skill. Nothing will suddenly fall from the sky. Anyhow what is obvious is this is not an appointment by the Foreign Ministry.

-13+23 # IND 2010-08-26 11:15

Even Dayan Jayatilake is not an appointment from the Foreign Ministery. Wasn't that appointment worthy ???

-17+17 # Naidhey 2010-08-26 13:39

Dear Malkanthi, it seems like you are a personality who thinks; a doctor should handle health matters in the county, an athlete should handle sport matters, a driver should handle transport matter and so on. Well you are wrong. How do you know what he is capable of unless he’s given a chance to prove or fail? Remember that Bill Gates is not even a graduate.

-8+18 # bigsam 2010-08-26 14:05

Naidhey, the sort of testing you are saying is not really suited at this high level. Even at the levels you are suggesting - if the Major General was appointed a doctor, would you take a chance with your children? I don't think so.

-15+31 # DXB 2010-08-26 11:11

The World top Democrtaic country(USA) had so many presidents who were soldiers,

-1+6 # prasanna 2010-08-26 16:08

You are right.

-81+60 # Bandula 2010-08-26 09:20

Good Move MR

-6+6 # prasanna 2010-08-26 16:08

GOOD MOVE.

-67+56 # s.jayawardene 2010-08-26 09:54

Good Luck Shewendra. You are most suitable for this post.

-21+39 # shane 2010-08-26 10:17

Square peg in a round Hole.

-9+29 # Minister 2010-08-26 10:45

So, does this show that UN and Sri Lanka are on two different tracks and heading on two different directions?

-3+21 # Loku 2010-08-26 11:24

Nope, they are on the same track heading in opposite directions; on an unavoidable head-on collision course.

-7+29 # Ramzeel 2010-08-26 10:57

In Sri Lanka there is a dearth of career diplomats hence the Govt. thinks that service men can take the place of the diplomats. In the battlefield the service higher ups shout orders to their sub-ordinates but in the UN diplomatic field that can not happen, you need seasoned diplomats.

-1+4 # James Campbell Jayaw 2010-08-26 16:02

Ramzeel Don't underestimate our Service men.Some of them got Masters degrees varying from deffence related subjects to International relations,proje ct management etc.

-26+32 # ruwan kotuwelle 2010-08-26 11:01

This is exactly what we have to do. We must not get scared of the false accusations of the cowards and face the West.

-27+12 # Ameen 2010-08-26 11:20

UN has taken a good decision. they know that our fellows will make more lies in the proceedings.... Good move by UN

-23+24 # Sarath 2010-08-26 12:02

We are trying to bang our head on a stone.

-18+13 # paul 2010-08-26 12:03

next time mahinda 3/3, then you all looseres can see double stars,Un be wvery scared,

-35+32 # Peter 2010-08-26 12:09

MR has repeatedly demonstrated his capabilities to run the country. He knows what he is doing. He is right every time then and in he will be right in the future.

-26+34 # dilmi 2010-08-26 12:26

Exactly correct Mr.Peter, he will be right for his future. not for common peoples future.

-3+7 # samani 2010-08-26 17:33

Good luck for you brave son

-6+5 # Paul Fernando 2010-08-26 17:46

Maybe he is a Major General here,but he will be nobody there in the UK. There is nothing to get exited so much.

-5+7 # Karu 2010-08-26 18:11

Jagath Dias was sent to Germany as the ambassador, and now Shalindra De Silva has been appointed as UN rep.
Lanka needs a diplomat and not a soldier to represent the people.

-1+3 # Observer 2010-08-26 21:25

This is a REWARD for services rendered.
Many others are waiting for their rewards.

-1+1 # banda 2010-08-26 22:53

or the last cry to keep them out of the line of fire

-0+0 # ranjith weerasekera 2010-08-31 19:35

we wish you all the very best for your new post,

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