In recognition of services to the country, religion, and national security Gen. Shavendra bestowed with ‘Mahamanya Prathapadi-Keshwara’

• Shavendra Silva says will continue to work for the betterment of the people and country despite criticism
• “While the majority of the people of the country believe in us, I am well aware that these very few people have the ability to criticize even if I am given this honorary title today,” he said

 By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya and Nadeeka Daya Bandara

 Mahanayake of the Malwatta Chapter Ven. Thibbotuwawe Sri Siddhartha Sumangala Thera said the Security Forces had  saved the country from many a disaster and crisis and it was imperative that Gen. Shavendra Silva who had given leadership to it should have been conferred an honorary award.

During a meeting with Chief of Security Staff Gen. Shavendra Silva who was honoured with the ‘Mahamanya Prathapadi-Keshwara’ award by the Asgiriya Chapter, the Ven. 
Thera pointed out that he highly appreciated the conferring of the honorary award to Gen. Shavendra Silva who was devoted to his service to the country during the 30 years of the North-East war against terrorism, the Covid pandemic, and natural disasters for the last several decades.  He further said the country expected his services in the future. 

 In recognition of services to the country, religion, and national security, Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva was bestowed with the honorary title of ‘Mahamanya Prathapadi-Keshwara’ by the Asgiri Maha Viharaya in Kandy on Sunday.

 The Karaka Sangha Sabha of the Asgiri Maha Viharaya has decided to bestow this honorary title to General Silva for the service rendered by him for several decades.  General Silva said at the event that he and military officers were subjected to various kinds of criticism by a certain group of people acting on various policies, during the war.
 “Even during the control of Covid-19, my officers and I were criticized by organized groups. While the majority of the people of the country believe in us, I am well aware that these very few people have the ability to criticize even if I am given this honorary title today,” he said.  However, the former Army Commander said that, even though he has been criticized, he will gain strength from it and will continue to work for the betterment of the people and for the sake of the country.  Meanwhile, Gen. Shavendra Silva who met Anunayake of the Malwatta Chapter Ven. Niyangoda Vijithasiri said a book on the services of the Security Forces during the war against terrorism would be compiled and placed in the Vijeyaba regiment.