EAM concerns over UN remarks

The Government of Sri Lanka noted with concern the recent remarks by the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General of the United Nations recalling the Secretary-General’s call to the Government to ensure that the forthcoming Presidential elections are peaceful and inclusive, a statement from External Affairs Ministry said. "The Spokesperson’s comments are gratuitous and inappropriate." it said. The full statement as follows: Sri Lanka has a vibrant tradition of democratic practice since 1931 and has been conducting elections at regular intervals, in a peaceful and orderly manner, while the electorate has continued to cast their vote freely, in large numbers. In keeping with this decades-old tradition, the Presidential election of 2015 too is being held in a peaceful and orderly manner. The inclusiveness of the elections is guaranteed for all Sri Lankans and all minorities are equally facilitated to actively participate in the election process and exercise their franchise. The Commissioner of Elections is an independent authority, and as mandated, has guaranteed that the elections will be held in a free and fair manner. There is a large contingent of international election observers present. In this context, repeated calls for a free and fair election in Sri Lanka are misplaced.