Tue, 07 May 2024 Today's Paper

Kerry speaks with Rajapaksa

8 January 2015 03:18 am - 75     - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

A A A

Ahead of presidential elections, US Secretary of State John Kerry has spoken with President Mahinda Rajapaksa and expressed concern over violence in parts of the country during campaigning. 

"The United States supports a free and fair electoral process in Sri Lanka that is credible, peaceful and inclusive," State Department Spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters at her daily news conference. 

"To that end, Secretary Kerry called the Sri Lankan President yesterday (Tuesday, January 6, local US time) to underscore the government's responsibility to ensure the January 8th elections will be free from violence and intimidation and that the vote counting is carried out credibly and transparently," Psaki said when asked about the violence in Sri Lanka ahead of the election. 

Several human rights bodies have expressed concern over the increase in violence in Sri Lanka in the run up to the polls.

"Of course, he (Kerry) and we all had seen the reports that you referenced. We will continue to monitor the situation in Sri Lanka," Psaki said. 

"We urge the government, its election officials and police, all political and actors to ensure access to all vote centers for the voters to vote and counting centers for all international and domestic observers," she said. 

"We're concerned about reports of violence and urge the government to ensure transparent and credible investigation into any allegation of fraud or violence," she added.(PTI)

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

  Comments - 75

Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka
  • Nish Thursday, 08 January 2015 12:25 PM

    Mr kerry would your trap work this time? What do you think?

    Nadal Thursday, 08 January 2015 03:04 PM

    Do not worry Kerry. Come here and eat curry.

    Sri Lankan Thursday, 08 January 2015 03:02 PM

    He is you know? He is advising the AMERICAN citizens in SL.!!

    Jay2 Thursday, 08 January 2015 03:00 PM

    Typical slavish mentality of our opposition backers.

    Nimmi Thursday, 08 January 2015 02:59 PM

    Does anyone know who was helped and were in the background to win the war> whose weapons we used?

    Saman Thursday, 08 January 2015 12:53 PM

    Do not worry Kerry ,MR will be the President for next term also,

    Super Man Thursday, 08 January 2015 12:47 PM

    Yh, look at the likes for namals comment. Let the likes speak for itself.

    Kanchana Thursday, 08 January 2015 12:47 PM

    Oh Kerry oh Kerry ! Mind your own business, and look in to the muggin, rape, murder that happens in your backyard on a daily basis !

    NIMESH Thursday, 08 January 2015 12:41 PM

    Kerry ,mind your own business

    proteas Thursday, 08 January 2015 12:40 PM

    Kerry and co. Ruining other countries. T hey are worried about our stability

    Ryan Thursday, 08 January 2015 03:07 PM

    Mahinda said Ok malli

    Nimesh Thursday, 08 January 2015 12:18 PM

    Kerry mind your own business . Sri Lanka is not a colony of USA.

    Senator Thursday, 08 January 2015 12:08 PM

    Its absured asking the USA and other world leaders to, mind theirown business,when we ourselves did not care to look after our own businessafter the end of the war against the terrorists.

    amila samarasinghe Thursday, 08 January 2015 12:04 PM

    mr kerry we are kindly inform you .. please stay as a gentleman ... we can manage our country.. you dont want to teach us... you have so many issues in usa.. please be stand for thoes issues... we dont want your advice .. thank you

    Dissanayake Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:59 AM

    What a about Iraq,Libya,Afghanistan,have you spoken to obama expressed his concern

    jayanthi kaviratne Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:59 AM

    kk- you know the gravity of the situation we face?

    sisira Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:58 AM

    Kerry, mind your own business, Better you smell your own finger. You have enough local(US) issues to take care, that is very well evident to the whole world. If any help is required let us know we will show our humanity.

    amila samarasinghe Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:57 AM

    kerry... you go and fly a kite... hey dont come us to teach how to do our business.

    Cheers Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:51 AM

    Come on Kerry before being concerned about Sri lanka for your own benefits look at your own backyard like blacks been shot and your school children teens carrying guns to schools and school shootings how many everyday those must be accidents not violence according to USA constitution very funny ha

    Siribiris Thursday, 08 January 2015 05:41 PM

    People have bought those things with their money. Can your village Kade Mudalali interfere in your family matters?

    Observer Thursday, 08 January 2015 09:27 PM

    Now we say stay out of our business but when we have an emergency like the Tsunami, we will cry for help......hypocrites!!!!!

    ByzGenProb Thursday, 08 January 2015 08:56 PM

    One nuke from the US on the Island of Sri Lanka should take care of the debt we owe the Chinese. No Island, no debt! I really dont want to have to learn to speak cantonese/mandarin, eat Chinese food, wear boring chinese clothes or get sent off to live in tibet...it is cold there....and snow sucks....

    Duminda Thursday, 08 January 2015 07:36 PM

    Most of comments are blindly wrote. It is not Kerry, even the GOD have to see what this regime has done to the country after 2010. Today Sri Lanka heading towards debt ridden

    sri Thursday, 08 January 2015 07:32 PM

    Exactly, does he advise the same to rest of the world !

    Kalu Thursday, 08 January 2015 07:16 PM

    Mate, can you enlighten us as to who constitute this so called international community? What is their representation and do they represent all continents? Did the entire international community authorize segregation of Iraq and the current mess? How about Libya and Syria

    ANTON Thursday, 08 January 2015 07:02 PM

    YEP....NOW I KNOW THE CORRECT PERCENTAGES.......

    Freddy Thursday, 08 January 2015 07:02 PM

    I think the Sri Lanka elections are going smoothly unlike the US. President Obama never had the support of the Republican. Killing in US is common place with gun laws so relaxed. Mahinda will put Local and International issues in place. Third term President Mahinda will bring Sri Lanka up.

    Kirthi Thursday, 08 January 2015 05:49 PM

    At least he can advise about what it feels like to lose a presidential election

    Raj K Thursday, 08 January 2015 05:48 PM

    When people have capacity issue this is what happened.

    KKW Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:49 AM

    Imbeciles who support My3 found this offensive :P

    Nalin Herath Thursday, 08 January 2015 05:40 PM

    I saw many comments criticizing Mr Kerry. Sad to mention that still our people are not thinking out of the box. R2P is still valid for any country.When a govt of a country is playing havoc, that is the occasion where international community involve.Today is a globalized world.

    rukshan Thursday, 08 January 2015 05:24 PM

    Oh yes..............U S aid mainly to eat so our belly will be full..........

    UK SRILANKAN Thursday, 08 January 2015 05:22 PM

    We Srilankan do not accept any kind of foreign interference in internal affairs, but also present regime should take responsible for increase violation during election campaign in failure of proper security and election regulation according to Media sources.

    Sam Gamage Thursday, 08 January 2015 04:58 PM

    Who is he ,to advice us, is he our leader? why cant he think about poor Americans...and their welfare..

    Nailing Thursday, 08 January 2015 03:45 PM

    Yes we got some problems in our attitude.... But it is up to us to rectify those problems collectively as SRILANKANS. It does not give licence to some other country to impose their own methods(WILL) on us. if you think US is civilized and UN is for greater benifit for human race , please do some quality research before you comment. Truth is not always what you see with eyes!!!

    SK Thursday, 08 January 2015 03:29 PM

    well said

    Brito prasad Thursday, 08 January 2015 03:19 PM

    Kerry you worry, why did you hurry to marry.

    a truly srilankan Thursday, 08 January 2015 03:11 PM

    we are for mahinda he is our hero mind your own buisness

    Fernando Thursday, 08 January 2015 10:19 AM

    Kade yanna kauruth naddo

    snp Thursday, 08 January 2015 10:59 AM

    Kerry, Sri Lanka is not a US colony. We have a strong leader who does not dance to your tune . Please mind your own business and try to protect the civil rights of the black people in your Country.

    Dutchy Thursday, 08 January 2015 10:57 AM

    Kerry wants a DUMMY to be elected, so he could make the puppet dance to the tune.

    Nahil Thursday, 08 January 2015 10:54 AM

    Rajapaksa should tell Kerry that he too is concerned about American Police Brutality of Blacks and CIA Water Boarding, and hope that he will do something about that soon.

    Mason Thursday, 08 January 2015 10:44 AM

    To assume that the President will NOT resort to fraudulent ways to get elected is a myth. We are seeing the abuse of powers, the language of his ministers at campaign, etc etc. We are a small part of the world and there is no harm in listening to good advise and become liked by the other nations.Those who are wanting Kerry to mind his business, please note.

    kumar Thursday, 08 January 2015 10:31 AM

    Millions of people killed by American forces in Korea,Vietnam,Iraq and Afghanistan and Hiroshima Nagasaki .Bana talking.

    manoj Thursday, 08 January 2015 10:30 AM

    Mr Kerry. What is your idea about the presidential election between Mr George Bush junior and Mr Algore. Was it a pair election.

    Main Man Thursday, 08 January 2015 10:27 AM

    Nope. Only you and a few other people think so.

    hb Thursday, 08 January 2015 10:23 AM

    Violence will not affect the result this time. Mr. Kerry, with your track record of meddling with other nations, USA should be the last one to advice us. We are all united in that opinion.

    Malini Thursday, 08 January 2015 10:20 AM

    They should mind their business when we stop taking their aid.We cannot be shameless as to take their aid and then scold them.They are after all making sure ALL Sri Lankans are able to vote freely, and speak for democracy.

    Henry Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:03 AM

    Entire world knows how your justice for Black people in your own soil. Let Sri Lankans decide their tomorrow.

    Ruwan Thursday, 08 January 2015 10:08 AM

    Asking & Eating via DM Android App

    Outsider Thursday, 08 January 2015 10:03 AM

    Yes Kerry, stay out. The Sri Lankan public are within their rights to re-appoint a corrupt regime where they can all starve to death until 2022.

    Freebird Thursday, 08 January 2015 09:54 AM

    early bird catch the early worm via DM Android App

    Bua Thursday, 08 January 2015 09:32 AM

    Kerry, mind your own business

    Mevan Thursday, 08 January 2015 09:10 AM

    O tempora, O mores!!!

    namal Thursday, 08 January 2015 09:00 AM

    entire world knows MR is a cheat via DM Android App

    Kasthuri Thursday, 08 January 2015 09:02 AM

    Cat jumped out of the bag !.

    kk Thursday, 08 January 2015 08:59 AM

    Keri mind your own business

    Nadeesha Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:25 AM

    Idiot kerry, Mind your own business. Who are you people to teach us democracy? America destroying whole world.

    Sam Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:49 AM

    Cat out of the bag! If MR wins, they now have the ability to refute the outcome and ignite the fire.

    patriot Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:43 AM

    The whole world seems to know the unblemished records - wonder of Asia via DM Android App

    Kanchana Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:48 AM

    Why do they care? mind your own business. Now that France terrorist attack on CNN for 24/7. you talk about stop terrorism but you point your finger at SL for stooping terrorism. why double slandered? we are human too, LTTE killed lot of our people. you do nt give a damn about it.

    Aiman Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:39 AM

    All bullshit. Now it is the time for free and fair election to crown the common man in Sri lanka

    pandula Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:38 AM

    These Heros must write to kerry instead of DM.

    jan Chandra Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:36 AM

    Who the hell is this John Kerry? What right has he got to dictate terms to another sovereign country? Mahinda should not have taken the call. There has been worse crimes in US and India during elections. What has John Kerry of anyone else has done with such crimes. These guys are like vultures getting closer to prey on Sri Lanka in the event of a Sirisena win.

    susantha Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:31 AM

    only one in this world think so that is this idiot I guess

    mervin de silva Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:28 AM

    No point in ridiculing Kerry. MR,s type of governance has caused concern in all sections of key international institutions and among dominant international players like USA, UK etc. etc. Don,t adopt an ostrich like attitude.

    chandra Thursday, 08 January 2015 08:55 AM

    When war was at last stage not only US, EU also called and expressed their concern. No need to remind by US it is our responsibility to curb violence.

    sunil Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:23 AM

    Kerry did not tell the same to Afghanistan, Egypt, Bahrain etc who are pawns of US

    TT Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:21 AM

    The day Sri Lanka stops getting loans from US Kerry will mind his business till then MR better be answerable to Kerry

    indi Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:20 AM

    Unless these kind of international pressure srilankan administration will go to nuts. Srilanka needs more and more international supervision.

    Dan Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:19 AM

    USA is worried..

    Yeild Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:16 AM

    Has he said anything wrong? I wonder why you all are fired up.

    jayanthadealwis Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:14 AM

    When Sri Lanakans are not capable of conduction of their own affairs peacefully, civilized countries / UN has to get involved for our own good.

    rr Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:06 AM

    give up using cell phones.. computers...and top using facebook and say mind ur own business, u dumb.

    Ika Thursday, 08 January 2015 11:04 AM

    Kerry, SL can manage this election very well, just like the way SL managed the WAR without failures (not like you). So, water some plants if you do not have anything else to do.


Add comment

Comments will be edited (grammar, spelling and slang) and authorized at the discretion of Daily Mirror online. The website also has the right not to publish selected comments.

Reply To:

Name - Reply Comment




Order Gifts and Flowers to Sri Lanka. See Kapruka's top selling online shopping categories such as Toys, Grocery, Kids Toys, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Clothing and Electronics. Also see Kapruka's unique online services such as Money Remittence,Astrology, Courier/Delivery, Medicine Delivery and over 700 top brands. Also get products from Amazon & Ebay via Kapruka Gloabal Shop into Sri Lanka

MIRROR CRICKET

More