EU urges SL to pursue democratic means to resolve crisis

The European Union (EU) yesterday urged Sri Lanka to pursue democratic means to resolve the current crisis. 

“We call on all parties to explore constructive and democratic ways out of the current crisis that has taken its toll on the Sri Lankan people,” said the Delegation of the European Union together with the diplomatic missions of the EU Member States [Germany, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania] and with the diplomatic missions of Australia, New Zealand, Norway, Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.

“We stress the extreme urgency of the situation, which requires the authorities to start in-depth discussions with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on the reforms needed to bring the Sri Lankan economy back to a sustainable path,” it added. 

The EU said that the freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are pillars of any democratic society, when they remain peaceful. 

“We therefore encourage all parties to continue acting with restraint. We consider the end of the state of emergency as a positive step,” the statement added,