Washington’s ambassador in Colombo condemns violence against peaceful protesters, journalists
ANKARA
The US on Sunday called on all parties in Sri Lanka to cooperate to achieve a peaceful and democratic transition of power, expressing support for protesters.
In a statement, US Ambassador to Colombo Julie Chung urged the future government to implement solutions to overcome worsening economic conditions amid “fragile and substantial moment in Sri Lanka’s history.”
“The United States, together with many other members of the international community, stands by to support as Sri Lanka takes responsible, sustainable steps towards resolving the debt crisis and creating a more equitable future for all,” she said.
Chung also condemned “all violence” against protesters and journalists, calling for an investigation into violent incidents.
Crippled by a shortage of foreign exchange, the island nation of 22 million people has defaulted on all of its foreign debt.
On Saturday, thousands of protesters in Sri Lanka stormed the president’s official residence and demanded his immediate resignation.
The parliament speaker hours after announced that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa will resign on July 13, and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe also expressed his willingness to step down after the formation of an all-party government.
