November 11, 2018 - Ottawa, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Global Affairs Canada today issued the following statement:

"Canada is gravely concerned by the president of Sri Lanka's decision to dissolve Sri Lanka's parliament, in violation of the Sri Lanka constitution, compounding political uncertainty and denying the country's democratically-elected Parliament its rightful role to determine the prime minister.

"The developments in Sri Lanka since October 26, 2018, including the dismissal of the country's prime minister and the proroguing and dissolution of parliament, run counter to the commitments the Government of Sri Lanka has made to its people on accountability, reconciliation and good governance.

"Sri Lanka's democratic future is at stake. During this period of instability, it is ever more important that members of civil society—including journalists, activists and human rights defenders—be protected from threats of intimidation and violence so that they may fully exercise their rights.

"Canada reiterates the importance of upholding the constitution and calls on all parties to refrain from violence and on law enforcement to act with restraint. The rule of law must be respected."