The External Affairs Ministry in a statement said 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.
The Ministry said an agent has made an attempt to deliver summons issued by a New York Court on Major General Shavendra Silva and he is protected by the relevant international treaties on diplomatic relations, immunities and privileges and accepted diplomatic practices.
"Consequently, it would be the 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 statement emphasized.
The Ministry said it will take all necessary measures to ensure that Ambassador Silva's ability to conduct his duties as a diplomat of the Government of Sri Lanka is protected.
The Ministry revealed that President Mahinda Rajapaksa, during his meeting with the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on the sidelines of the 66th UN General Assembly Sessions in New York, raised the issue and requested the UNSG to extend all possible facilities and protection under the UN mandate to Ambassador Silva to enable him to discharge his diplomatic duties efficiently and effectively during his tenure of office in New York.
The widow of a senior LTTE terrorist leader Ramesh, who was killed in the final battle with the Sri Lankan Army, has filed a civil suit in the district court of New York against Ambassador Silva.
Major General Silva, who needs to respond to the plaint within 21 days, has told the Sunday Times newspaper that he is willing to face whatever allegations are made against him or those who served under his command in any court anywhere in the world.
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