EU lauds Sri Lanka’s genuine election

The European Union says the parliamentary elections held in Sri Lanka on August 17 were genuine, well administered and peaceful overall.

It was noted that the Sri Lankan people came out to vote high numbers, confirming their support for continued democratic reform.

The new Government that will be formed as a result of this election will need to have among its priorities continued improvement in good governance, human rights and the rule of law, as well as the crucial tasks of accountability and genuine national reconciliation, the EU observed.

The Union also stressed that all political actors should play a constructive role in this process.

The Commissioner of Elections and participating parties have played an important role, as well as national and international observers.

A European Union Election Observation Mission led by MEP Cristian Dan Preda was deployed to Sri Lanka to observe the electoral process and will remain in the country until the process is completed.

“As a close and long-standing partner, the EU looks forward to continuing its strong partnership with the Government of Sri Lanka with the aim of supporting the country’s social, economic and democratic development,” the EU statement said.