Accept results of NCMS

The United States Senator Chris Van Hollen has written to President Maithripala Sirisena raising deep concerns over his decision to remove the Sri Lankan Prime Minister and the subsequent rejection of the two no-confidence motions (NCMS) in Parliament on the President’s choice of

replacement, Mahinda Rajapaksa.

In the letter, he has urged the President to accept the results of the no-confidence motions in Parliament, in accordance with the Sri Lankan Constitution and rule of law.

“I write as a longtime friend of Sri Lanka, who has worked hard to strengthen the bonds between our two democracies. It is in that spirit that I want to express my deep concern with the decision to remove Sri Lanka’s Prime Minister and the subsequent rejection of two no-confidence motions in Parliament on your choice of replacement. I urge you to accept the results of the no-confidence motions in Parliament, in accordance with the Sri Lankan Constitution and rule of law.

“The US partnership with Sri Lanka has grown since your election in 2015, in which you promised reconciliation and democratic reform. In the years since, we have bolstered our relationship, including through a proposed Millennium Challenge Corporation compact and increases in economic and security assistance,” it added.

Mr. Hollen said the actions taken during the last few weeks, however, put at risk the rule of law and democracy in Sri Lanka.

“The decision to oust the sitting Prime Minister, suspend Parliament, attempt to hold snap elections and reject the votes of Sri Lanka’s democraticallyelected representatives could also threaten the progress made in strengthening our bilateral relationship. I respectfully urge you to seek an end to this impasse in a manner consistent with the Sri Lankan Constitution, the democratic process and rule of law,” he said.

Says President’s actions threaten the progress made in strengthening bilateral relationship