General Shavendra Silva Retires …. AN Outstanding Leader Amidst Controversy

The most decorated military officer of the Sri Lanka Army has retired from all military posts after 41 years of service to the nation. These years saw most violence in the island nation. He was also one of only two four-star Generals of the army. He commanded not only the 58^th Offensive Division of the army during the Humanitarian Operation (2006-2009) but also simultaneously commanded the Commando Regiment. A tremendous achievement. He made the most contribution to the 2009 military victory over Tamil terrorism, thanks to which close to 4,000 Sri Lankans of all ethnic groups get to live every passing year.

This photo is a TPS insertion presenting General Silva in the Kilinochchi area at the height of Eelam War IV in early 2009 with the Indian journalist Murlidar Reddy [alas passed away now] at a briefing — one that indicates an intelligent opening of the frontline situation to foreign journalists.

The youngest ever Brigadier to command an army Brigade in Sri Lanka won the hearts of the Sri Lankans since 2007 during the Humanitarian Operation. His tiger-like eyes captivated them; his achievements won praise from defense commentators and the public. His delicate military maneuvers around sensitive areas during the war showed his incomparable military skills and restraint that must come with great power and professionalism.

His services to the nation didn’t end with the war. In 2010 he was appointed to the UN Office in New York which did a great service to the nation in dispelling false allegations against the military. In 2019 under his leadership Sri Lanka successfully overcame the COVID-19 pandemic despite multiple blunders and delays by politicians.

General Shavendra Silva is known in military circles as an upright professional who always upheld the rule of law. This won him praise from many sections. His role in the 2022 people’s uprising is commendable. He was the army commander until May 31, 2022. He was then promoted to the Chief of Defense Staff role which is a ceremonial role. The power transfer from elected president to an appointed president in July 2022 happened after this event. Sadly, politically motivated people blame the General for not using violence, bloodshed and war crimes against unarmed civilians in order to protect a political clan which the people rejected in total by then. Firstly, Shavendra was not the army commander then and secondly no order was given by the Commander of Tri-Forces (the president) or the defense minister (the president once again) to shoot unarmed civilians. Shavendra and the then army commander acted well within the orders (or lack of orders) as they should.

As it happens always in Sri Lanka, politics sours everything. Achievements of General Shavendra Silva in this context only amplifies them. As he wrote in his parting letter, Shavendra has every right to indescribable bliss he feels at each sunrise. It comes with the knowledge that his action and the action of the military continue to save 11 lives each day; lives that would have been lost untimely in the north and the south, both military and civilian, had the war continued.

Shavendra leaves big shoes to fill. Sri Lanka may not find a comparable replacement for decades to come. We wish General Shavendra Silva the very best and thank him for his selfless service to the nation.

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An EDITORIAL NOTE

Kannangara’s prose is over the top and may alienate readers to the detriment of our readings of General Silva’s career in difficult times.

Readers are directed to consult all the writings on the war by Sergei De Silva Ranasinghe (of Perth), my book Tamil Person and State in its two volumes with many pix; AND also the many articles within TPS aka Thuppahi, Groundviews and Colombo Telegraph in the period 2008-to-2012