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SL critisizes US warning

11 Aug 2014 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

The government today strongly condemned a security message issued by the US warning violent protests targeting the US Embassy officials or its citizens could occur in Sri Lanka.

Issuing a statement, the External Affairs Ministry said there have been no violent protests targeting the US Embassy, its diplomats, officials or citizens, though claimed by the US State Department that such incidents could occur.

“This message creates a false and alarmist view of the conditions prevailing in Sri Lanka,” it said.

According to the Ministry the recent demonstration on August 8 in front of the US Embassy in Colombo on the current situation in Gaza which was organised by an opposition political party had been peaceful.

“The right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest are important values in a democracy. In fact, it is known that the US Embassy in Colombo maintains working relations with all opposition parties, including that which staged this demonstration,” the ministry said.

Ministry further said with reference to the opinion of the US, there is increasing anti-western sentiment and said that it would be sensible for the US authorities to examine the root causes for such a development, and corrective measures may be sought in order to stymie the widening gap in the bilateral relationship.

It noted that the law enforcement authorities in Sri Lanka have taken necessary action consistently to ensure the safety and security of diplomats, their families, premises and property in accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, and continue this practice diligently.

“A significant number of US citizens live in Sri Lanka and also visit the island. There have not been any reports of their safety and security being challenged. The Government of Sri Lanka remains firm in its commitment to maintain law and order in the country and protect not only its own citizens, but diplomats as well as non-nationals in the country at all times,” it said. (Lahiru Pothmulla)

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SL critisizes US warning

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