‘Shavendra Silva protected by diplomatic immunity’
The External Affairs Ministry says that it will take all necessary
measures to ensure that ambassador Shavendra Silva’s ability to conduct
his duties as a diplomat of the Sri Lankan government is protected.
Issuing a media release, the ministry states:
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Shavendra
Silva |
“It has been brought to the notice of the Ministry of External
Affairs that an attempt has been made by an agent to deliver summons
issued by a New York Court on the Deputy Permanent Representative of Sri
Lanka’s Mission to the United Nations in New York Major General
Shavendra Silva.
“The ministry is of the view that Ambassador Shavendra Silva as the
Deputy Permanent Representative of Sri Lanka to the United Nations in
New York enjoys diplomatic immunities and privileges accorded under the
Convention on Privileges and Immunities of the United Nations as well as
the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
Therefore, Ambassador Shavendra Silva is protected by the relevant
international treaties on diplomatic relations, immunities and
privileges and accepted diplomatic practices.
“Consequently, it would be responsibility of the host nation and the
United Nations to ensure that Ambassador Shavendra Silva’s ability to
conduct his duties as a diplomat of Sri Lanka is not hindered in any way
by such disruptive activities. The Ministry of External Affairs will
take all necessary measures to ensure that Ambassador Shavendra Silva’s
ability to conduct his duties as a diplomat of the Government of Sri
Lanka is protected.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa during his meeting with the United
Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon while attending the 66th United
Nations General Assembly Sessions in New York brought this issue to the
notice of the Secretary General and requested him to extend all possible
facilities and protection under the UN mandate to Ambassador Shavendra
Silva to enable him to discharge his diplomatic duties efficiently and
effectively during his tenure of office in New York.”
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