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{{Infobox civil conflict
{{Infobox civil conflict
| title = 2018 Sri Lankan constitutional crisis
| title = 2018 Sri Lankan constitutional crisis
| subtitle =
| subtitle =
| partof = the [[Aftermath of the Sri Lankan Civil War]] and the [[Sri Lankan presidential election, 2015]]
| partof = the [[Aftermath of the Sri Lankan Civil War]] and the [[Sri Lankan presidential election, 2015]]
| image = {{multiple image
| image = {{multiple image

Revision as of 13:12, 14 November 2018

2018 Sri Lankan constitutional crisis
Part of the Aftermath of the Sri Lankan Civil War and the Sri Lankan presidential election, 2015
Maithripala Sirisena
Ranil Wickremesinghe
Mahinda Rajapaksa
Date26 October 2018 – ongoing
(5 years, 8 months, 1 week and 5 days)
Location
Sri Lanka
Caused by
MethodsDemonstrations, occupations, general strikes
StatusOngoing
  • Appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister by President Maithripala Sirisena
  • President Sirisena suspends parliament
  • Ranil Wickremesinghe refuses to accept dismissal and is held up at Temple Trees
  • New Cabinet appointed
  • Disruptions to the operations of state media institutions
  • Allegations of bribery for cabinet positions
  • Sirisena dissolves parliament and calls elections
  • Supreme Court stays proclamation dissolving parliament
Parties
Lead figures
Casualties
Death(s)1[1][2]
Injuries3[1]
Arrested2[2]

A constitutional crisis began in Sri Lanka when President Maithripala Sirisena appointed former president and member of parliament Mahinda Rajapaksa as prime minister on 26 October 2018 before formally dismissing the incumbent Ranil Wickremesinghe, resulting in two concurrent prime ministers. Wickremesinghe and the United National Party viewed the appointment as illegal, and he refused to resign.[3]

Sirisena's sudden decision instigated "political turmoil in the country".[2][4] Wickremesinghe, the majority of the parliament, and opposition parties have refused to acknowledge his removal and the appointment of Rajapaksa, stating that Sirisena's move was unconstitutional.[5] Wickremesinghe claimed that he still commands a majority in parliament and requested that Speaker of the Parliament Karu Jayasuriya convene parliament immediately.[6] Sirisena ignored all calls to reconvene parliament and on 27 October prorogued parliament, delaying its meeting till 16 November.[7] After an attempt to form a new cabinet of ministers with Rajapaksa as prime minister failed, Sirisena attempted to dissolve parliament on 9 November. The UNP declared the move unconstitutional and subsequently the Supreme Court has stayed Sirisena's dissolution until December 2018.[8][9]

Rajapaksa has been a controversial figure in Sri Lanka since the Sri Lankan Civil War.[1] He and his close family have been accused of and are currently under investigation for corruption. The fate of the corruption cases targeting members of the Rajapaksa family, along with investigations into the murders of journalists and others during the Rajapaksa presidency (2005–2015), are unknown due to the present crisis.[2][10]

Background

Rajapaksa presidency

The presidency of Mahinda Rajapaksa, from 2005 to 2015 was an increasingly authoritarian regime[11] characterised by the diminishing human rights in the country, nepotism, weakening of government institutions, slow progress of national reconciliation in the aftermath of the Sri Lankan Civil War and close ties to China.[12] Before serving as president Rajapaksa also served as Prime Minister. In 2009 Rajapaksa ended the 27 year long Sri Lankan Civil War, but has been accused of war crimes and human rights abuses.[13][14] At the height of his power Rajapaksa and his family controlled 80 percent of the national budget where Rajapaksa simultaneously served as finance minister and four other cabinet posts on top of the presidency, while his three brothers served as the defence secretary and ministers of economy and ports and the Speaker of the Parliament.[12] Many of those, including journalists, who were critical of him disappeared.[12] According to Reuters, in the aftermath of the Sri Lankan Civil War, Rajapaksa borrowed "billions of dollars" from China to build infrastructure projects, though these had little economic value to the country.[15][16] These projects were seen as vanity projects or white elephants.[17]

2015 presidential election

In response to the degrading democracy in the country, the United National Party (UNP) along several other parties and civil organisations signed a Memorandum of Understanding and decided to field the then Secretary General of Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), Maithripala Sirisena as the Common Candidate for the 2015 Presidential Election. Sirisena, a former health minister under Rajapaksa, pledged to appoint UNP Leader Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Prime Minister if he were to win the election.[12]

Sirisena won the January 2015 election and became the 7th President of Sri Lanka and appointed Wickremesinghe as the Prime Minister as promised. The presidential election was followed by a General Parliamentary Elections held on 17 August 2015, in which the UNP lead coalition gained 106 seats in the Parliament and formed a National Government with several other parties. Wickremesinghe and the UNP came to power promising accountability for alleged atrocities committed during the Sri Lanka civil war and during the Rajapaksa presidency.[2] Following the 2015 election defeat, Mahinda Rajapaksa held India’s intelligence service, Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) among those responsible for the change in regime.[18] The Indian government also welcomed Rajapaksa's defeat, claiming that the former leader had strained ties with New Delhi while moving the country closer to Beijing.[12]

A national unity government was formed, which passed the Nineteenth Amendment to the Constitution of Sri Lanka on 28 April 2015, stipulating that the prime minister should remain in office for as long as his cabinet functions, unless he resigns or ceases to be a member of parliament.[19]

Unhappy coalition

The Sirisena-Wickremesinghe government had been struggling to repay its debts it had borrowed from during the Rajapaksa presidency. The Magampura Mahinda Rajapaksa Port, built with Chinese money, was handed over to Beijing in a 99-year lease in 2017 as a form of payment.[12] By 2018, following Mahinda Rajapaksa’s proxy Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna winning a landslide victory in the 2018 local authority elections, disputes among the members of the National Government began to surface and a major rift between the President and Prime Minister appeared.[20] Sirisena claimed Wickremesinghe to have led to the loss of 11 billion Sri Lankan rupees ($65m; £50m) in the controversial central bank bond sale and also alleged that a cabinet minister was involved in a plot to kill him and that police had obstructed an investigation.[2]

Alleged assassination attempt

Reports of an assassination plot emerged in September when an individual named Namal Kumara, Director of the Anti-Corruption Force Operations[citation needed], claimed he was aware of a plan to assassinate President Sirisena and former Defence Secretary Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Kumara was interrogated by the Criminal Investigation Department (CID), and in late September the police arrested an Indian national, Marceli Thomas, from Kerala, claiming he knew of the plot.[18] Kumara alleged the Director of the Terrorism Investigation Division (TID) of the Sri Lanka Police, Deputy Inspector General of Police Nalaka de Silva had masterminded the plot.[21] Nalaka de Silva was suspended pending a formal investigation by the CID and later arrested by CID on 25 October under the Prevention of Terrorism Act and remanded till November 7.[22]

In mid October 2018, the Indian newspaper The Hindu reported that Sirisena told Cabinet members that India’s intelligence service, RAW, had devised a plot to assassinate him, though Sirisena denied the report.[18] Sirisena in the cabinet meeting told Ministers that RAW was “trying to kill” him, but “Prime Minister Narendra Modi may not be aware of the plan.”[18]

On 26 October 2018, the United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) withdrew from the government, ending the national government that was in place since 2015.[23] The same day, Sirisena also alleged that a cabinet minister was involved but did not name the cabinet minister. However said "Under these political problems, economic troubles, and the strong plot to assassinate me, the only alternative open to me was to invite former president Mahinda Rajapaksa and appoint him as prime minister to form a new government."[1]

Timeline of events

Two prime ministers yes and?

The president's United People's Freedom Alliance (UPFA) earlier on Friday 26 October had quit the national unity government that had governed with Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe's United National Party (UNP).[24]

Later at about 7pm without a prior announcement, President Maithripala Sirisena unexpectedly appointed former President Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister in a live swearing-in ceremony broadcast over television. Rajapaksa took an oath of office in the presence of Sirisena and representatives of the military inside the Presidential Secretariat. He was sworn in while Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe was still the incumbent and away touring in the south of the country.[17] The situation in Colombo was uneasy with some cabinet ministers immediately declaring the move unconstitutional, while other Cabinet ministers and parliamentarians began defecting to the new government.[12]

Wickremesinghe addressed the nation saying, “I am addressing you as the prime minister of Sri Lanka. I still hold the majority of the house." "Convene parliament and I will prove it.” Three ministers, including Mangala Samaraweera and Cabinet Spokesman Rajitha Senaratne, tried to address the nation during a live television program.[17] That day Rajapaksa loyalists stormed two state-owned television networks, including Rupavahini, and forced them off the air, which they regarded loyal to Wickremesinghe and the sitting government. Troops were brought in to protect the channel’s staff.[12][24][2]

Finance Minister Mangala Samaraweera tweeted that Rajapaksa’s appointment was “unconstitutional and illegal. This is an anti-democratic coup,” saying Wickramasinghe remained leader as he could not constitutionally be removed by the president.[25][12][13] While UPFA MP Susil Premajayantha told reporters that a new cabinet would be sworn in soon.[17] Speaker of the Parliament Karu Jayasuriya said he was to decide on Saturday (27th), after seeking legal advice, whether to recognise Rajapaksa or not. The Parliament was not due to meet until 5 November when the 2019 national budget was to be presented. The Supreme Court, which is empowered to resolve constitutional disputes, was shut for the weekend, to be reopened on Monday.[24]

On 27 October President Sirisena issued a formal notice for Prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe to step down. Sirisena later issued gazettes formalising and defending the dramatic move.[24] Wickremesinghe however entered Temple Trees, the Prime Ministers residence, refusing to accept the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa and his dismissal, insisting in a letter to Sirisena that he was still in office. Sirisena and Rajapaksa announced their intent to form a new cabinet.[24] Nalaka Kaluwewa, an Acting Additional Secretary in the Presidential Secretariat, was appointed as Acting Director General of Information under the instructions of President Sirisena.[26]

The day after Rajapaksa's appointment, the Parliament, which was due to meet on 5 November to discuss the budget for the next year, was prorogued by the President, delaying its meeting till 16 November.[7] President Sirisena stated on Saturday night that the main reason for him to form a new government with Mahinda Rajapaksa as Prime Minister was the alleged plot to assassinate him. He claimed that the name of Sarath Fonseka had come up in the investigation of the CID but was suppressed.[27]

On 27 October, Mangala Samaraweera tweeted that the security personnel and official verticals assigned to the Prime Minister were withdrawn from Wickremesinghe and assigned to Rajapaksa on orders from the President.[28] The IGP had ordered the 1,008 police and STF personnel assigned to Wickremesinghe as prime ministerial security to be withdrawn and replaced with 10 police personnel from the Ministerial Security Division (MSD). The security details of ministers of the former government have been also reduced to the levels provided to parliamentarians.[29]

Calls to reconvene Parliament

Karu Jayasuriya, Speaker of Parliament

The Speaker of Parliament, Karu Jayasuriya has requested the President to reconvene parliament following consultations with party leaders of the UNP, ITAK, JVP and the SLMC on 30 October.[30] The Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya stated that it is inappropriate for him to express an opinion on the matter, in response to a request for comment by the Speaker.[31][32]

UPFA MP Susil Premajayantha stated that Parliament would reconvene on November 16 as per the Gazette and not on November 5 as said by Rajapaksa the day before.[33]

On 2 November, 119 MPs from several parties met and passed a resolution calling for immediate convention of Parliament claiming that the removal of the Prime Minister and the appointment of another was unconstitutional. The Speaker has stated that the President agreed to convene Parliament on 7 November. However, if the President fails to issue the gazette notification to convene Parliament, the Speaker has stated that he will convene Parliament on 7 November under the powers vested in him.[34] Speaker Jayasuriya later in a statement announced that he will not accept any changes that had happened in Sri Lanka after October 26th until they are verified in parliament. [35]

On 7 November UPFA MP Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said that the only item on Parliamentary agenda on November 14 is the policy statement by President Sirisena.[36]

President Sirisena met with a Tamil National Alliance (TNA) delegation whom he asked to abstain from a vote of no confidence if it were moved. The TNA told Sirisena it had taken a decision to vote against the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa as the Prime Minister. The President in response is reported to have said that he will not reappoint Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Prime Minister, even if his party secured a majority in Parliament.[37] While making an address on the 8 November the SLFP executive committee meeting Sirisena said that "he had used only one trump card and there were more trump cards still in his hand", and that he would not go back on any decisions that he had taken already, during this crisis. Sirisena said he was going to make a request to the UNP to support the government’s work plan when Parliament reconvenes on the 14th.[38][39]

The UNP said it would explore the possibility of removing President Sirisena in conformity with Article 38 (2) of the Constitution. The Tamil Progressive Alliance (TPA) responded it would not support any impeachment move as, while they do not support the appointment of Rajapaksa, "they are not in favour of adding more fire to the current crisis".[40]

Sirisena-Rajapaksa cabinet appointments

On 29 October, President Maitripala Sirisena appointed the first members of a new cabinet at the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo, with four UNP MPs appointed as ministers including Wijeyadasa Rajapakshe, Vadivel Suresh, Vasantha Senanayake and Ananda Aluthgamage.[41]

UNP MP Dunesh Gankanda was sworn in as State Minister of Environment along with a dozen secretaries to various ministries on 30 October.[42]

UNP MP Ashoka Priyantha was appointed on 4 November as Deputy Minister of Cultural and Internal Affairs, and Regional Development (Wayamba).[43] While UPFA MPs Dinesh Gunawardena was appointed Minister of Megapolis and Western Development; Vasudeva Nanayakkara, Minister of National Integration, Reconciliation, and Official Languages and Keheliya Rambukwella State Minister of Mass Media and Digital Infrastructure.[44]

On 6 November Deputy Minister of Labour and Foreign Employment and UPFA MP Manusha Nanayakkara resigned from his ministerial position and pledged support to Ranil Wickremesinghe. Nanayakkara says that staying true to his heart he cannot join or participate in the recent appointments made and the change in government.[45][46]

Bribery allegations

The UNP has alleged that Rajapaksa loyalists has been luring its MPs to support President and Rajapaksa with the offer of significant bribes and ministerial portfolios. On 3 November, the UNP released an audio recording, which it claimed an attempt to buy UNP MPs which contained a phone conversation allegedly taken place between UPFA MP S. B. Dissanayake and UNP MP Palitha Range Bandara.[47] UPFA MP Dinesh Gunawardena was appointed Leader of the House.[48]

Dissolution of parliament and elections

President Sirisena issues a gazette notification bringing the Sri Lanka Police under the purview of the Ministry of Defence, which was earlier under the Ministry of Law and Order.[49] This was followed with the transfer of the Department of Government Printing which publishes the government Gazette under the Ministry of Defence. Sirisena has brought the Military, Police and the Gazette under his direct control.[50]

Amid calls to reconvene parliament Sirisena and his party admitted they did not have enough votes to support Mahinda Rajapaksa against Ranil Wickremesinghe to decide the office of Prime Minister. Ahead of the president’s announcement the UPFA said they were at least eight legislators short of getting a majority for Rajapaksa in the parliament. “At the moment we have 104 or 105 MPs,” UPFA’s spokesman Keheliya Rambukwella told reporters. He further went on to say the Sirisena-Rajapakse group hoped to secure support from “crossover” legislators. This is in contrast to what Sirisena claimed on the 5th, that he had the support of 113 legislators when he sacked Wickremesinghe. According to an AFP count, 120 MPs support Wickremesinghe and his allies.[51] President Sirisena dissolves Parliament by proclamation, from midnight of 9 November and declared snap elections to be held on around 5 January 2019.[52][38][53] The move was swiftly denounced by the United National Party in a post on Twitter, saying it "vehemently rejects" the sacking of the parliament. The party also accused Sirisena of robbing the "people of their rights and democracy".[52] The act was in violation of the 19th Amendment to the constitution, which he co-sponsored.[38][54] A short while later it was announced through an extraordinary gazette notice that general elections will be held on 5 January, 2019, with the first meeting of the new Parliament to be held on 17 January, 2019. UPFA MP Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena said “The nominations would be tendered from November 9 to 26".[55] The JVP has accused Sirisena of trying to consolidate his power grab.[51] The election date was announced even before preparing the government's annual budget for the next fiscal year in 2019.[56]

Sirisena inducted more cabinet ministers prior to signing the order to dissolve the parliament.[51] Supporters of Ranil Wickremesinghe were in the process of preparing legal papers to challenge the latest move in the country’s Supreme Court.[38]

Supreme Court stays proclamation dissolving parliament

The Supreme Court Complex

On 12 November, 13 Fundamental Right petitions were submitted to the Supreme Court of Sri Lanka challenging the dissolution of Parliament, by the UNP, TNA, JVP, SLMC and others including Prof S. Ratnajeevan H. Hoole, a member of the Election Commission. These were taken up for hearing on the same day by a three member bench of the Supreme Court consisting of the Chief Justice Nalin Perera, Justices Prasanna Jayawardena and Priyantha Jayawardena.[57] Responding to the petitions, Attorney General Jayantha Jayasuriya made submissions stating that "the court had no jurisdiction to hear and determine the Fundamental Rights petitions against the dissolution of Parliament".[58]. On the same day, 5 petitions by Prof G. L. Peiris, Minister Udaya Gammanpila, Minister Vasudeva Nanayakkara and two others supporting the dissolution of parliament were filed at the Supreme Court. However, in the evening the three Judge bench issued a an interim order till 7 December staying the proclamation issued by President Sirisena to dissolve parliament and granted leave to proceed with the Fundamental Rights petitions that challenged the President's dissolving parliament.[9]

Following the stay order of the Supreme Court, President Sirisena convened the National Security Council at the Presidential Secretariat; where he ordered the police and armed forces to maintain the peace in the country.[59] Soon after the IGP Jayasundara ordered senior police officers to maintain the law and order in the country.[60]

Parliament to convene

The Speaker office stated on the 13 November following the stay order from the Supreme Court that Parliament would convene on 14 November per the gazette issued by President Sirisena on 4 November.[61]

Protests

Pro-democracy protests

The UNP held a pro-democracy protest near the Temple Trees on 31 October, where thousands of Sri Lankans have taken to the streets urging President Sirisena to uphold democracy.[62][14]

The JVP held protest rally at Nugegoda on 1 November demanding the president to reconvene parliament immediately and to restore democracy in the country.[63]

Tens of thousands of Sri Lankans marched Monday November 5th in support of a new government of Mahinda Rajapaksa and Maithripala Sirisena. Sri Lanka Police estimated 120,000 people attended the rally.[64]

Violence

Rival groups supporting Mahinda Rajapaksa and Ranil Wickremesinghe have been gathering at different locations around Colombo. Hundreds of supporters of Wickremesinghe have gathered around Temple Trees and say they will stay there to protect the ousted Prime Minister.[14] So far demonstrations have been mostly peaceful, but Speaker Jayasuriya, and others, have warned of a “blood bath” if Parliament was not permitted to meet and end the constitutional crisis.[14]

With the rushed swearing in of Rajapaksa, Rajapaksa loyalists stormed two state-owned television networks and forced them off the air, which they regarded loyal to Wickremesinghe and the sitting government.[24][2] Trade unions linked to Rajapaksa's party have also been blocking access to ministers who are from the United National Party.[2]

On Sunday 28 October, the bodyguards of a deposed government minister opened fire on a crowd of protestors resulting in the death of one person.[1] The first reported outbreak of violence occurred at the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPC), which houses the headquarters of national oil and gas company, resulted in a shooting between members of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party CPC Trade Union and the personal security detail of deposed petroleum minister, Arjuna Ranatunga. Crowds loyal to the president attempted to prevent Ranatunga from entering the government building in Colombo as he was attempting to retrieve belongings from the CPC offices.[1] One union member was killed and two or three injured by shots fired by a member of the police MSD security detail as the crowd tried to take Ranatunga hostage. Ranatunga was rushed into the building, in the immediate aftermath of the shooting. The SLFP CPC Trade Union went on strike until Ranatunga was arrested causing long queues at filling stations. Ranatunga was dressed in a helmet and camouflage, and escorted by the Special Task Force, dozens of regular police were deployed in order to pacify a still-agitated crowd. He was arrested by police on 30 October, and was subsequently released on bail. The strike was called off.[2] One security member was arrested and an investigation has begun into the incident, police have confirmed.[65] After being rescued by police commandos, later on Sunday speaking to reporters Ranatunga said his bodyguards opened fire because the crowd "They came to kill me - I state this responsibly - and you can check the CCTV footage," "For the first time, I feared for my life. I thought of my children and my family.""[1]

Economy

The Sri Lanka Stock Exchange record significant growth during the week.[66][67] However, the rupee reached a record low during the week, but was boosted by Central Bank dollar sales.[68]

Reactions

Domestic responses

Political parties
Others
  • Sri Lanka Police - The Inspector General of Police Pujith Jayasundara, met Mahinda Rajapaksa for discussions soon after he was sworn in on 26 October.[72] IGP Jayasundara ordered that all leave for police personnel be canceled on 27 October.[73]
  • Church of Ceylon - Diocese of Colombo of the Church of Ceylon stated "The Democratic frame work enshrined in our Constitution should not be abused for political expediency. We urge the instruments of the State, Religious Institutions and all peace-loving people of our country to join hands to uphold Democratic values and peace with justice for all, as well as the rule of law for the greater common good of the people of our country, and the preservation of Democratic institutions so that all communities that call Sri Lanka home may live without fear and intimidation. We further call upon the Police and Tri Forces to act impartially and with restraint in the enforcing of law and order,".[74]
  • All Island Canteen Owners’ Association (AICOA) of Sri Lanka reduced prices of several food items appreciating the President's move to sack Ranil Wickramasingha and appoint Mahinda Rjapaksa.[75]

International responses

Government sector
Supranational
  •  United Nations – The United Nations Secretary General António Guterres expressed concern over the situation in Sri Lanka and has asked for democracy and constitution to be respected.[76]
  •  European Union – The Ambassador of the European Union to Sri Lanka, along with the Ambassadors of France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Romania and the High Commissioner of the United Kingdom stated that they are closely following the events as they are unfolding in Sri Lanka and "urged all parties to fully act in accordance with Sri Lanka’s constitution, to refrain from violence, to follow due institutional process, to respect the independence of institutions, and freedom of media."[77] On 9 November, Ambassadors of EU countries voiced concerns over reports that a confidence vote will not take place when Parliament reconvenes.
  •  Commonwealth of Nations - The Commonwealth Secretary-General Patricia Scotland encouraged restrain and to uphold the rule of law and comply with Sri Lanka’s constitutional framework in resolving the current challenges.[78]
Countries
  •  Australia - Foreign Affairs Minister Marise Ann Payne stated “It is important that issues be addressed expeditiously through parliament and those democratic principles and freedoms are upheld. We urge all parties to respect the democratic will of Sri Lankans, as exercised through their elected representatives. We encourage all parties to continue to resolve differences peacefully and refrain from confrontation and violence”.[79] On 9 November, its High Commissioner Bryce Hutchesson voiced concerns over reports that a confidence vote will not take place when Parliament reconvenes.
  •  China - The Government of China has congratulated Mahinda Rajapaksa on his appointment as Prime Minister. The Chinese Ambassador to Sri Lanka Cheng Xueyuan visited Rajapaksa on 27 October to present a congratulatory message from Chinese Premier Li Keqiang and promise that "China will provide immense support for Sri Lanka's future development activities". Xueyuan thereafter visited Wickremesinghe.[80]
  •  India – The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar stated on 28 October that "India is closely following the recent political developments in Sri Lanka. As a democracy and a close friendly neighbour, we hope that democratic values and constitutional process will be respected," and "India will continue to extend its developmental assistance to the friendly people of Sri Lanka."[81]
  •  Pakistan – Pakistan High Commissioner Shahid Ahmat Hashmat called on Mahinda Rajapaksa and congratulated him on appointment as Prime Minister. The High Commissioner reiterated Pakistan's support for continuation and consolidation of democratic process in Sri Lanka, the High Commission said in a statement.[82]
  •  United Kingdom – Mark Field, State Minister for Asia and Pacific stated: "All parties and competent authorities in Sri Lanka should respect the Constitution and follow due political process."[83]
  •  United States – The Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs of the US Department of State tweeted: "“We expect the Government of Sri Lanka to uphold its Geneva commitments to human rights, reform, accountability, justice and reconciliation".[84] This was followed by a statement by Heather Nauert, spokesperson of the US Department of State which called for the immediate recall of parliament, stating “We urge all sides to refrain from intimidation and violence. We call on President, in consultation with the Speaker to immediately reconvene parliament and allow the democratically elected representatives of the Sri Lankan people to fulfil their responsibilities to affirm who will lead their government”.[85]
Non-governmental sector
  • Amnesty International (AI) - responded to the political crisis by saying “Human rights must not become a casualty of Sri Lanka’s political crisis. The authorities must ensure that key freedoms are respected and protected at this time. People should be allowed to exercise their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association.”[86]
  • Human Rights Watch - Brad Adams, Asia director said, “Rajapaksa’s return to high office without any justice for past crimes raises chilling concerns for human rights in Sri Lanka.” “The current government’s failure to bring justice to victims of war crimes under the Rajapaksa government reopens the door for past abusers to return to their terrible practices.”[87]

See also

References

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