Welcoming the recently concluded provincial elections, the United Kingdom  today called on the government and parties who won provincial seats to work together to contribute meaningfully to “effective and inclusive regional governance” in Sri Lanka.

“I welcome the Sri Lankan provincial elections that took place on 21 September,” UK Foreign Office Minister Alistair Burt said.

Polls have been described as largely peaceful by Commonwealth and domestic observer missions, with high turnout across all three provinces, he said, adding, “This demonstrates the desire of the Sri Lankan people to engage in this democratic process which ensures all provinces now have a council for the first time since the end of the military conflict.”

“I call on the Sri Lankan government and parties who won provincial seats to work together to contribute meaningfully to effective and inclusive regional governance in Sri Lanka,” FCO Minister Alistair Burt said in a press release.

He, however, pointed out that the “lasting reconciliation” all Sri Lankans deserve cannot be delivered by these polls alone, but emphasized that the elections remain an important step in recognising the “rights and aspirations” of all citizens.

He also welcomed the access given to international observers and the overall conduct of polling day.

“However, I note with concern the credible reports of the misuse of state resources for campaigning, incidents of intimidation, and violence in the run-up to elections,” he said.

Burt called on the authorities to investigate these “serious allegations” and ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice.