LEN - www.lankaenews.com | Let's identify the snake that emerged to the right of the president's swearing-in.!

Let's identify the snake that emerged to the right of the president's swearing-in.!

-By Sunil Gamini Jayalathge

(Lanka-e-News -25.Sep.2024, 11.30 pm) The inauguration of the new president, Anura Kumara Dissanayake, drew the attention of many. During the event, the focus of many security officers was on Major General Shavendra Silva, who represented the state authority at the ceremony. He stood behind and to the right of President Anura Kumara Dissanayake. At state functions like this, the president's constitutional power is typically symbolized by the heads of the tri-forces, and General Shavendra Silva is the commander of these forces. This position is akin to that of a chief judge in terms of responsibility. While the commander can issue advice to the forces under his command, he cannot issue orders directly.

Controversies and Allegations

However, it’s unclear under what tradition Major General Shavendra Silva represented state authority at President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's swearing-in ceremony. We have received reports that this has sparked discussions and questions among senior military officials. Many senior officers claim that the military was weakened under Shavendra Silva’s leadership because of accusations that he acted based on his political desires, damaging the military's integrity and honor.

During his tenure, it is said that funds allocated for military purposes were diverted according to his personal preferences, including a controversial religious site at Kuragala. He is also believed to have frequently participated in religious rituals at Seenigama Temple, reportedly orchestrated by a mentally unstable witch doctor. At one such event, someone asked him, "Sir, are you preparing to go to Parliament?" The response came from the witch doctor, who said, "No, no, I’m working to place Shavendra Aiya even above Parliament."

Shavendra Silva and the Rajapaksa Family

It appears that Shavendra Silva harbored aspirations to become the president of Sri Lanka. There was also tension between Silva and the Rajapaksa family, who were reportedly disturbed by his religious activities. Reports suggest that the Rajapaksa family, known for their strict beliefs, became uneasy after learning of his involvement in Seenigama Temple rituals. The fallout between them started from this point.

When the anti-Gotabaya protests intensified, Major General Shavendra Silva was hopeful that the political tide would turn in his favor. There were even reports from military intelligence that rituals were being performed in the army commander’s official residence by the same witch doctor. The military leader remained passive during the protests, possibly believing that his hidden ambitions might be fulfilled.

Controversies Over His Wife

There have also been rumors about Major General Shavendra Silva’s wife, who chaired the Army Women’s Unit during his tenure. She is reportedly the daughter of former minister Kings Nelson from Polonnaruwa, and there is speculation that she was not legally married to Shavendra Silva. His first wife, who refused to divorce him, is said to be living in the UK.

There are allegations that Major General Silva engaged in serious financial misconduct during his time as army commander, especially by giving his unofficial wife control of the Army Women’s Unit. It is said that she used military funds for her personal gain.

COVID-19 Corruption

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the management of quarantine centers, procurement of supplies, and food services were allegedly overseen by her, allowing her to exploit the situation for personal financial gain. Senior military officials, despite their concerns, remained silent, fearing repercussions. It is also alleged that soldiers were provided with substandard food under her supervision.

Ill-Gotten Wealth

Reports suggest that Shavendra Silva and his unofficial wife accumulated substantial wealth, including properties on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. His salary as army commander could not possibly justify such large assets. There is growing concern that this corruption must be investigated immediately.

The government's failure to address these allegations has led to widespread dissatisfaction within the military. These officials must be held accountable, and their actions thoroughly investigated.