Australia concerned by political developments in Sri Lanka

Thursday, 1 November 2018 01:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Canberra: As a longstanding friend, Australia is concerned by political developments in Sri Lanka, Australia’s Foreign Affairs Minister Senator Marise Payne said in a statement yesterday.

“It is important that issues be addressed expeditiously through Parliament and that democratic principles and freedoms are upheld,” the Minister’s statement said.

“Australia urges all parties to respect the democratic will of the people of Sri Lanka, as exercised through their elected representatives.

“We encourage all parties to continue to resolve differences peacefully, and refrain from confrontation and violence.”

The international community is closely following the political developments in Sri Lanka following the dismissal of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and prorogation of Parliament by the President Maithripala Sirisena last week.