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)