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Statements

IPU calls for integrity of Sri Lanka parliament to be respected

Sri lanka parliament

© AFP / Lakruwan Wanniarachchi

The IPU is increasingly concerned about the ongoing political crisis in Sri Lanka, triggered on 26 October by President Sirisena’s removal of Prime Minister Wickremesinghe followed by suspension of Parliament. This runs counter to the Sri Lankan Constitution which stipulates that the Prime Minister can only be dismissed against his will through a decision of Parliament.  The IPU is also concerned about reports that Sri Lankan parliamentarians have allegedly been offered bribes to join the new Government.

The IPU urges the authorities to follow due process. It is of paramount importance that all Parliamentarians, including the Speaker who needs to lead Parliament through this crisis, are allowed to carry out their functions without threats and coercion. Parliament should therefore be allowed to meet and all should be done to preserve its integrity at this critical moment.