SL tells UNHRC of Shavendra’s appointment: Foreign influence on domestic affairs ‘unacceptable’

Responding to concerns raised by several countries and foreign organisations over the appointment of Army Commander Shavendra Silva, Sri  Lanka told the 42nd session of the Human Rights Council (UNHRC) that external influence on internal decisions were unacceptable.

Making a statement, Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in Geneva, Ambassador A.L.A. Azeez said yesterday external attempts to influence decisions and the internal administrative processes of public service promotions in Sri Lanka were unwarranted and unacceptable. 

“With reference to the recent appointment of the Army chief, it must be noted that this is a sovereign decision taken by the Head of State. Articulating a position of concern on this appointment by certain bilateral partners and international entities, based on allegations, is regrettable and contrary to the principles of natural justice,” he said. 

Meanwhile, he said continued resilience of Sri Lanka’s security forces to protect the country and its people while ensuring fundamental rights, consistent with the pledges it had made before the UNHRC, was witnessed in the aftermath of the Easter Sunday attacks. 

“These range from the speedy restoration of security which has minimised the impact on the country’s socio-economic fabric and upheld its international reputation, the lifting of the State of Emergency within four months, providing ICRC full access to individuals detained, engaging in an informed debate on seeking to upgrade the new counter-terrorism legislation, and in deference to sensitivities of the Muslim community, adjustment of the regulation banning full facial cover attire,” the envoy said. 

He said the government remained committed to combatting hate speech and all forms of crime directed against ethnic and religious communities and was taking apt measures to counter religious radicalisation and violent extremism. 

Says Govt. remained committed to combatting hate speech and crime directed against ethnic and religious communities