The war crimes-accused head of Sri Lanka’s army released a statement yesterday, calling on “intelligent” Sri Lankans to back the armed forces and “co-operate” as they had done when the military launched an offensive that killed tens of thousands of Tamils in 2009.
In a video released by the Sri Lankan army, Silva speaks to a camera in Sinhala only and claims the military has “not to-date caused any hindrance to such peaceful protests”.
“Let me earnestly appeal to all intelligent Sri Lankans to support our forces and the Police in the same way you all cooperated with the armed forces in the control of the most recent COVID-19 epidemic and the war against terrorism in the past,” he continued, referring to the offensive in which he played a leading role.
As commander of the 58 Division at the time, Silva is accused of multiple crimes, including the execution of surrendering Tamils. He is currently barred from entry to the United States due to his role in war crimes. Under multiple Sri Lankan governments however, he has been praised and promoted.
Read more about Silva in our feature: US bans Sri Lanka’s army chief from entry over war crimes
“I kindly urge all Sri Lankans to lend the same degree of support at this critical juncture to all the armed forces and the Police for passage of essentials to the public by dispensing with roadblocks and other obstructions,” he continued.
His message comes after Sri Lankan security forces shot dead a protestor earlier this week.
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