Most Decorated Soldier in Sri Lanka's 🇱🇰 Military History Retires

⭕ After four decades of distinguished military service, General Shavendra Silva WWV RWP RSP VSV USP ndc psc MPhil retires from active duty.

⭕ General L H S C Silva, a battle-hardened Infantry Officer, is renowned for his exceptional leadership and his legacy as the most successful Divisional Commander in IV Elam War. He led the victorious Task Force-1 (later the 58 Division) alongside the Commando Brigade, achieving unparalleled success during the Wanni Humanitarian Operation.

⭕ Under his command, the division advanced over 200 km, the largest landmass covered by any formation, from the Rice Bowl in Mannar on the west coast to Puthukkudiyiruppu in the east, capturing key LTTE strongholds and playing a pivotal role in ending Sri Lanka’s three-decade civil war, restoring peace in 2009.

⭕ In 2009, at the age of just 45, Silva made history as the youngest officer to be promoted to the rank of Major General. A decade later, in 2019, he was appointed Commander of the Army, and by the time of his retirement, he held the esteemed position of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS).

⭕ He also claims the pride of receiving the highest number of gallantry awards that are conferred to the military personnel in the Armed Forces history.

General Shavendra Silva will go down in history as one of Sri Lanka’s greatest military leaders. Thank you for your service!

#SriLanka