Libya requests Sri Lanka to monitor upcoming elections later this year

As preparations for Libya's  Presidential and Parliamentary elections scheduled to be held on December 24, the Libyan government made a request for Sri Lanka to consider sending an election monitoring mission.

The request was formally conveyed to Foreign Minister Prof. G.L. Peiris when he met the Charge d’ Affaires of the Embassy of the State of Libya in Sri Lanka Amar A.M. Muftah,  on Wednesday at the Foreign Ministry to discuss matters of mutual interest in the bilateral relations between the two countries.

 Libyan Charge d’ Affaires Muftah briefed the Minister on the current situation in Libya, in particular the role of the interim caretaker government that has been in office since March 2021, Foreign Ministry said in a statement. 

 Foreign Minister Peiris recalled that Sri Lankans have enjoyed universal franchise since 1931, 17 years before independence. He said that Sri Lanka, as a democracy, is supportive of the efforts by Libya to further strengthen the democratic process and will consider this request.

 The Foreign Minister highlighted that the Government is focusing on economic diplomacy, by improving trade relations and expanding the export market in the African region. It was agreed to continue discussions regarding improving Sri Lanka's trade ties with Libya in the tea, gem and jewelry and tourism sectors.