UN Chief concerned over decision to dissolve Parliament

The Secretary-General of the United Nations António Guterres has expressed concern over the sudden decision by President Maithripala Sirisena to dissolve the Parliament, Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General Farhan Haq said. 

A statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on developments in Sri Lanka said the Secretary-General learned with concern of President Maithripala Sirisena’s decision to dissolve Sri Lanka’s Parliament and move to new Parliamentary elections on 5 January 2019.

“The Secretary-General underlines the utmost importance of respecting democratic processes and institutions and resolving differences in accordance with the rule of law and due process,” the statement said.

The Secretary-General has renewed his call on the Government to ensure peace and safety for all Sri Lankans and uphold its commitments to human rights, justice and reconciliation.