The United States Government stated that it was concerned about the arrests and detention of several well-known Sri Lankan human rights defenders and activists over the past week while urging the government to ensure that it carries out transparent legal procedures.

In  a statement released by the US Embassy to Sri Lanka, the US claimed that both previous and on-going human rights concerns in Sri Lanka had led many in the international community to push for a UN Human Right Council resolution while claiming that the government’s latest actions only serves in convincing them that continued scrutiny is necessary.

Full statement:

The United States Government is concerned about the arrests and detention of several well-known Sri Lankan human rights defenders and activists over the past week.  We urge Sri Lankan government authorities to ensure that all those detained are given transparent and due legal process, including full access to legal counsel. 

As we have noted many times in the recent past, both previous and on-going human rights concerns have led many in the international community to push for a UN Human Rights Council resolution on the situation in Sri Lanka.  With these latest actions, we remain convinced that continued scrutiny by the Human Rights Council is necessary. 

Meanwhile, AFP reported Sri Lankan police had arrested two rights activists under an anti-terrorism law to prevent them from spreading “communal disharmony” in the country’s war-torn northern region, ahead of voting on a resolution against the country at the UNHRC.

“Two people were arrested at 10.30 last night under the provisions of the Prevention of Terrorism Act. They were acting so as to promote communal disharmony,” police spokesman Ajith Rohana said.