No diplomatic pressure Over RW’s arrest – Govt

• Minister says the international community now recognises that the rule of law is being applied fairly and equally in Sri Lanka  
• Although some individuals had made remarks, none of them were of real significance
• The UNP leadership provided the diplomats with a detailed briefing on the circumstances surrounding Wickremesinghe’s arrest and the developments that followed

Foreign Affairs Minister Vijitha Herath yesterday said that no foreign diplomats or diplomatic organisations have made any remarks regarding the recent arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe.  

The Minister made this clarification in response to a question raised at the Cabinet media briefing on whether there had been pressure from the international community, including foreign missions or individuals, regarding the arrest.  

He noted that although some individuals have made remarks, none of them are of real significance. “No such statements have been made by any diplomats or diplomatic organisations in this regard, except for two individuals, one of whom is also facing the same allegations. Therefore, those comments are irrelevant,” Minister Herath said.  

He stressed that no High Commission, Embassy, High Commissioner, or Ambassador had made any statement on the matter.  

The Minister further said that the international community now recognises that the rule of law is being applied fairly and equally in Sri Lanka, unlike in the past when there were concerns of selective law enforcement.  

Following the recent arrest of former President Ranil Wickremesinghe, senior leaders of the United National Party (UNP) have held discussions with several foreign missions based in Sri Lanka, including those representing the United States and China.  

According to party sources, the UNP leadership provided the diplomats with a detailed briefing on the circumstances surrounding Wickremesinghe’s arrest and the developments that have followed.   

The UNP also said that certain international organisations had also sought clarification and further details regarding the arrest.