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World community expresses concern over situation here
Chinese Ambassador Cheng Xueyuan yesterday called on the newly appointed Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapakasa and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe.
The visit came as several countries yesterday expressed concern at developments here, with Britain even updating its travel advisory to warn its citizens of a period of political instability.
This came after President Maithripala Sirisena sought to dismiss Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and swore in former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as a new prime minister. Britain warned its citizens to exercise vigilance and avoid demonstrations or large political gatherings. The United States, the European Union, Australia and Switzerland were among the others that voiced opinions, either on Twitter or by way of official statements. A common thread was emphasis on the importance of following the constitution.
“Following today’s developments in Sri Lanka closely and with concern,” tweeted Mark Field, British Minister of State for Asia and the Pacific.
“We call for all parties and competent authorities to ensure that the constitution is respected and due political process is followed.”
The US State Department also called for the constitution to be respected: “The US is following events in Sri Lanka. We call on all parties to act in accordance with SL’s constitution, refrain from violence, and follow due process. We expect Gov of SL to uphold its Geneva commitments to human rights, reform, accountability, justice, and reconciliation.” Its travel advisory was not updated.
The Swiss Embassy in Sri Lanka also said it was “closely following recent events, in particular the announcement to prorogue Parliament until November 16”. It calls on all parties, to act in accordance with the constitution, follow due process and respect the democratic principles, the independence of institutions and freedom of media. It also urges all parties to refrain from the use of force.The Delegation of the European Union issued a statement in agreement with the EU Heads of Mission resident in Colombo. “The Ambassador of the European Union as well as the Ambassadors of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania and the UK High Commissioner are closely following the events as they are unfolding in Sri Lanka,” it said.
“We urge all parties to fully act in accordance with Sri Lanka’s constitution, to refrain from violence, to follow due institutional process, to respect the independence of institutions, and freedom of media,” it said. “Be alert to political developments in Sri Lanka,” Australian High Commissioner Bryce Hutchesson tweeted. “Follow local media, avoid protests and large political gatherings,” he urged Australians here.