Shavendra Silva appointed Peace Keeping Advisor

The Deputy Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations Major General Shavendra Silva has been selected to the Peace Keeping Advisor Group established by the UN Secretary General.

Maj. Gen.Silva has been selected by the Group of Asian States as their representative. UN Secretary General's Spokesperson confirmed his appointment at the noon briefing yesterday.

This is the first time that a Sri Lankan has been appointed to such a prestigious post relating to peacekeeping operations, throughout Sri Lanka's 50-year long partnership with the Department of Peacekeeping, a release by the government said.

Major General Silva will represent the Asia-Pacific States in this Body which will advise on rates of reimbursement to troop-contributing countries and related issues. He joins a group of high ranking diplomats who are members of this key body addressing some of the critical issues related to UN peacekeeping.

Among its members are the former Deputy Secretary General of the United Nations and former Canadian Deputy Minister of National Defence Louise Frechette, Former Under-Secretary General for Peacekeeping Operations Jean-Marie Guehenno and former US Assistant Secretary of State James Dobbins.

The group is scheduled to commence their first meeting this month to finalise the scope of its work and working modalities. MF