He has received some of the highest medals in the Sri Lankan armed forces, which includes the Weera Wickrama Vibhushanaya, Rana Wickrama Padakkama, Uttama Seva Padakkama and the Rana Sura Padakkama at once, a first in the Sri Lankan military history. He was the youngest promoted as a commanding officer.Accordingly, Major General Shavendra Silva will serve as the 53rd Chief of Staff of the Army.