LG polls are so ‘critical’ – US Ambassador

13 March 2023 09:51 am - 15 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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While urging Sri Lanka’s legal community to be a strong and steady force for the rule of law and justice for all, US Ambassador Julie Chung yesterday said that the Local Government elections are so ‘critical’ for Sri Lanka.

"Giving citizens the ability to advocate directly to the government in partnership with civil society organizations and through qualified legal representation in an independent judiciary. That's why local government elections, we have been discussing, are so critical,” the ambassador said addressing the 2023 edition of the National Law Conference, the most prestigious event of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, at the Cinnamon Grand hotel in Colombo, last evening.

Addressing further she said that “democracies are unrestrained across the globe and no democracy stands without the rule of law. You, all of you are the guardians of that precious rule.”

“Since the beginning the relationship between our two countries has been based on shared democratic principals’ including the importance of independent judiciary. The United States support for the rights of everyday Sri Lankans to voice their concerns peacefully and participate in their government is unwavering," Ms. Chung said.

She also said that Sri Lanka’s proud history of free elections underpins those rights.(Sunil Jayasiri)

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Comments - 15

Jude Monday, 13 March 2023 10:17 AM

Hey the regime even ignoring Supreme Court's decisions!! Huh!!

Saman Monday, 13 March 2023 10:39 AM

We saw on social media "Ask the IMF not to give money to Sri Lanka until an election is held to strengthen democracy and human rights in the country". That is a very good idea. So, let's start signing a petition from all parliamentarians, other political parties, civic activists, trade unions, all lawyers and bar association, doctors, engineers, and common people. This petition should be sent to the UN office in Colombo, IMF, World Bank Representative Office and to all embassies including the US Embassy. This will also prove whether the opposition parties and members of parliament are genuine and not slaves of the president.

Ranjith Monday, 13 March 2023 10:43 AM

We have lost our rights under the present President and the government USA is also backing the President and the government to carry on with uncivilized governance

Democracy Monday, 13 March 2023 10:54 AM

Where were you all this time when RW was violating the democratic rights of Sri Lankans. Does the US have any policy on anything other than protecting its self-interest?

joshua Monday, 13 March 2023 10:58 AM

US should insist on democratic path in SL, before any funds are released by IMF.

wathsi Monday, 13 March 2023 11:19 AM

Lol! Look who is talking! The defacto leader of Sri Lanka. Seems she wants give some power to her new ally, the NPP. US is well known for its double standard, especially when it comes the so called democracy!

Where is funds to back up talk Monday, 13 March 2023 11:19 AM

If United States wants to support for elections let it provide the 20 billion equivalent cost to hold elections. Right now candidates cannot get extra fuel allowance the the United States can provide for that too.

Lion Monday, 13 March 2023 11:51 AM

Dea Madam ,we are loosing our rights and this government which has no people’s mandate use violent methods to contain the masses protesting for their rights. Government has brought goons to assault the protesting students. Since you are aware of all these ,please for the sake of most of the people of this country who are struggling to have on square meal a day , intervene constructively to hold this election which is overdue.

Don Juan Monday, 13 March 2023 11:59 AM

Once Turkey FM Soylu claimed that the first questions “every US ambassador” arriving in Türkiye was asked were “How can I stage a coup” and “How can I harm Türkiye.” Similarly, every US ambassador arriving in Sir Lanka was looking forward how to activate Spring Seasons by any mean. When it found that no Spring every day in Sri Lanka, then agitate for something else. This time about a primary Election. We in Sri lanka have many other priorities.

Zaid Aboobucker Monday, 13 March 2023 02:17 PM

The good Lady does not understand the Sri Lankan mindset. You have a LG election - if opposition wins they start ‘protests’ to call for parliamentary and/or Presidential election. Politicians are only interested in power. Let’s first get the cost of living down.

Ranjith Monday, 13 March 2023 02:45 PM

Julie are you genuine I don't think so you are bluffing USA doesn't care for srilankan's or local government elections USA only interested in achieving there agenda it's a pity

Dana Monday, 13 March 2023 04:51 PM

Enough talking. If we are to respect you as a real leader, who loves Sri Lanka, it's time to walk the talk Julie Chung.

GHT Tuesday, 14 March 2023 12:04 AM

If no sabotage commanded by the US, the LG poll is very easy, well fair and square.

Quolp Tuesday, 14 March 2023 12:06 AM

The fact is that the US is a big barrier and threat for our DEMOCRACY and PEACE.

Worried citizen Tuesday, 14 March 2023 01:53 PM

Julie, if you support democratic rights of the ppl, plz call up Ranil immediately to release the allocated funds in the budget for the election. This is a favour that you will do for the 22 Million of the Srilankans. We would appreciate this very much n your action will always be in our hearts n also for the future generation of this country.

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LG polls are so ‘critical’ – US Ambassador

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