The courtesy meeting between the new head of the Delegation for the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Ms Severine Chappaz, and the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil took place at the Office of Chief of Defence Staff on 08 November 2022.
During the brief meeting Ms Severine Chappaz, who assumed duties as the new Head of the Delegation for ICRC, Sri Lanka, introduced herself and updated the CDS on the ICRC’s current Humanitarian Operations in Sri Lanka.
Towards the ensued meeting, the CDS commended the role of ICRC in Sri Lanka especially during three decade drawn conflict. The CDS gratefully appreciated the training programmes conducted by ICRC which facilitated Sri Lankan Armed Forces for effective discharge of duties within Sri Lanka and overseas missions carried out under the United Nations. Also, he highlighted the importance of designing a novel training programme by ICRC incorporated with the types and methods suggested by the CDS for Tri Services to successfully address the contemporary or emerging threats.
Further, General Shavendra Silva said that Sri Lankan Armed Forces always respect the cooperated role of the ICRC in protecting the lives of war victims. He also mentioned that ICRC is an impartial, neutral and independent organization who best witnessed the Humanitarian Operation.
Mr Jan Albert Schoneveld, Regional Armed and Security Forces Delegate, also attended the event. The meeting was culminated with the exchange of mementoes.
