The diplomatic corps in Sri Lanka in a joint statement today expressed dismay over the blocking of access to the UN compound in Colombo this week, which was led by Minister Wimal Weerawansa and will discuss the issue with Minister G.L Peiris on Monday.
The statement by the heads of Missions of Germany, UK, US, Fracnce, Italy, Switzerland, The Netherlands, Romania, Norway and the EU delegation in Sri Lanka said that a peaceful protest is part of any democracy, but blocking access to the United Nations – of which Sri Lanka itself is a member – as well as intimidating and harassing UN personnel is a breach of international norms and harmful to Sri Lanka's reputation in the world
"We are deeply dismayed by the blockade of the UN-compound this week in Colombo and the role played in it by a Government minister. We call upon the Government of Sri Lanka to take all appropriate steps to ensure the safety and security of UN personnel and premises. We welcome the meeting scheduled on Monday between th0e Dean of the diplomatic corps and the Foreign Minister to discuss this issue," the statement said. (Daily Mirror online)
