EU says freedom of expression pillar of democracy

Freedom of assembly and freedom of expression are pillars of any democratic society, when they remain peaceful, the European Union, addressing the Sri Lankan crisis, said on Friday in a statement.

“We therefore encourage all parties to continue acting with restraint. We consider the end of the state of emergency as a positive step. We call on all parties to explore constructive and democratic ways out of the current crisis that has taken its toll on the Sri Lankan people,” the statement which was endorsed by EU member diplomatic missions in Sri Lanka and five other missions, said.

It stressed the extreme urgency of the situation, which requires the authorities to start in-depth discussions with the International Monetary Fund on the reforms needed to bring the Sri Lankan economy back to a sustainable path.