Army is an evolving professional institution - Gen. Shavendra Silva Daily News (via HT Media Ltd.) Chief of Defence Staff, Army Commander and Head of the National Operations Centre for Prevention of COVID-19 Outbreak (NOCPCO) General Shavendra Silva who has dedicated his life to serve the country and works to protect the life of others received a fitting tribute for his services and elevated to the rank of four-star General was accorded a ceremonial Guard of Honour at the Army Head Quarters premises on Thursday morning, in conformity with military traditions. President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces on December 28, 2020, promoted Defence Secretary Major General (Retd) Kamal Gunaratnne and Chief of Defence Staff and Army Commander Lt.Gen. Shavendra Silva to the rank of General.