Number of democratic countries expressed their concens on escalating violence in Sri Lanka yesterday. Notable exception are India and Japan.
Euporie Union
A month of peaceful demonstrations has shown how Sri Lankan citizens fully enjoy their right to freedom of expression in the oldest democracy in South Asia. State of emergency will certainly not help solving the country’s difficulties and could have a counter productive effect!
— EU in Sri Lanka (@EU_in_Sri_Lanka) May 7, 2022
USA
We condemn the violence against peaceful protestors today, and call on the government to conduct a full investigation, including the arrest & prosecution of anyone who incited violence. Our sympathies are with those injured today and we urge calm and restraint across the island.
— Ambassador Julie Chung (@USAmbSL) May 9, 2022
Swiss
We condemn the violent attacks on peaceful protesters and urge the Government to hold the perpetrators of violence to account. Furthermore we appeal for calm and the continuation of the democratic and non-violent process to ensure the resolution of this crisis + safety for all.
— Dominik Furgler (@SwissAmbLKA) May 9, 2022
UK
Strongly condemn the violence against peaceful protestors today. The authorities have a responsibility to safeguard citizens’ rights to protest peacefully and to hold the perpetrators of violence to account.
— Sarah Hulton OBE (@SarahHultonFCDO) May 9, 2022
UK
Strongly condemn the violence against peaceful protestors today. The authorities have a responsibility to safeguard citizens’ rights to protest peacefully and to hold the perpetrators of violence to account.
— Sarah Hulton OBE (@SarahHultonFCDO) May 9, 2022
France
Deeply shocked and disturbed by the shameful & coward attacks on peaceful protesters. I urge the political leaders to ensure peace & justice and to safeguard the rights of the people of #SriLanka. I believe in the wisdom of the People?? to overcome from this pathetic situation !
— Lavertu Eric (@lavertu_eric) May 9, 2022
Germany
Current developments hurt my heart. What used to be an example of a well-functioning democracy – people peacefully exercising their right to free speech – has turned into tense confrontation. I call on all sides for calm and restraint. Violence is no solution, to neither side!
— Ambassador Holger Seubert (@GermanAmbColo) May 9, 2022