Army Commander Lt. General Shavendra Silva today assumed duties as the Acting Chief of Defence Staff.

Silva was appointed to the position by President Gotabhaya Rajapaksa to replace Admiral Ravindra Wijegunaratne who retired from service on December 31.

It is learnt that retired Major General Sumedha Perera is likely to be appointed to the post of Chief of Defence Staff.

However, prior to Perera's appointment, Rajapaksa will have to seek Parliament's approval to amend the CDS Act.

According to the current Act, the CDS can only be appointed from the tri-forces commanders.