SL Embassy in Libya temporarily closed

Wednesday, 23 March 2011 01:25 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Libya has been temporarily closed following the recent air strike over the capital Tripoli.

The staff from the Sri Lankan Embassy will be flown to Sri Lanka. This decision was made after US and other western countries started air raids against the Libyan leader who is also coming down hard against his own people.

The Sri Lankan Embassy in Libya will reopen when the situation in the country returns to normal.

The Ministry of External Affairs in a statement issued noted that the issue of protection of the civilian population in Libya remains a concern for Sri Lanka, as indeed for the rest of the international community.

In fact, it is this very same concern that led to the adoption of UNSC Resolution 1973. Hence, the measures taken under this Resolution must be linked to the objective of protecting civilians and civilian populated areas.

Their plight must not be allowed to deteriorate because of the use of violence. We urge on all parties the need for restraint in order to ensure the safety of civilians.

Even as the security of the civilians continues to be re-established, it would be important to move swiftly towards a process of resolving differences through peaceful means and dialogue.

Sri Lanka which has a longstanding relationship with Libya, deeply desires the early commencement of such a process.