13 March 2021 12:00 am
By Yohan Perera
The United National Party (UNP) yesterday urged the Government to impress upon the Myanmar delegation, scheduled to visit for the BIMSTEC Conference, the necessity to revert to the democratically elected President, State Counsellor and Parliament.
“Sri Lanka has enjoyed relations with Myanmar dating back to the 4th Century. Using this close relationship, the Government must continue to push for an immediate halt of the ongoing violence, and the resumption of office by the legally elected officials” the party said in an official statement.
The UNP, back in February, condemned the military coup that saw the arrest of leading members of Myanmar’s Government.
The increasing violence between the military and the protesters does not reflect well on a nation that purports to practice Theravada Buddhism.
The Party unequivocally denounces the ongoing violence and suppression of democracy in Myanmar.
Recognising that Sri Lanka has international obligations as the Chairperson of BIMSTEC to extend an invitation to all member states, the Party urges the Government to privately engage the Myanmar delegation and pressure them to reverse their ongoing military coup,” the statement added.