The service extensions of the Commanders of the Army, Air Force, and Navy, and Chief of Defence Staff General Shavendra Silva, are expected to end on 31st December 2024, according to state newspaper Dinamina.
Quoting Defence Ministry sources, the newspaper reported that as the Minister of Defence, the President is to take a decision, either today or tomorrow, on whether they will be given further service extensions or whether new appointments will be made to the positions.
General Shavendra Silva was appointed the Chief of Defence Staff in 2020 while still serving as Army Commander. Born in 1964, he is currently above 60 years of age.
He worked in the Army on a service extension granted by former President Maithripala Sirisena before becoming Army Commander.
Army Commander Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage is also on a service extension and will be 57 years old on 31 December 2024.
The Sri Lanka Army held the traditional parade for its outgoing Army Commander, Lieutenant General Vikum Liyanage today.
Watch : https://shorturl.at/W5BDG
Meanwhile, Navy Commander Vice Admiral Priyantha Perera is also working on a service extension after being appointed to that position on 18 December 2022.
Also, Air Force Commander Air Marshal Udeni Rajapakse is working on a service extension and will be 56 years old on 29 January next year.
According to the report, the appointment of a retired Army, Air Force or Navy commander to the position of Chief of Defence Staff has been the system in Sri Lanka so far. (Newswire)
