Sri Lankans have right to peacefully raise their voices - Blinken

COLOMBO (News 1st); The US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken states that the Sri Lankan people have a right to peacefully raise their voices, and called for a full investigation, arrest, prosecution of anyone involved in any protest-related violence and incidents of violence.

Responding to media during a press availability in Bangkok, Thailand, the US Secretary of State also condemned any violence against peaceful protestors and journalists.

Responding to a question regarding the Sri Lankan crisis and the President's anticipated resignation, the US Secretary of State said that the US is closely following the events and the political developments, and mentioned that he has seen thousands of people of all backgrounds taking to the streets, looking for accountability, looking for transparency, looking for a better future.

He also notes that the Prime Minister announced that he will step down when all parties agree to form a new Government, in addition to reports from the Sri Lankan Parliament, the speaker, who said the President intends to step down on July 13th, which they are tracking.

"We would urge the Sri Lankan Parliament to approach this with a commitment to the betterment of the country, not any one political party," he added.

Afterwards, he stated that it incumbent on the Government, whether a new, constitutionally-selected Government or the existing Government, to work quickly to try to identify and implement solutions that will bring back the prospect of long-term economic stability, address the Sri Lankan people’s discontent, which is so powerful and palpable, over the worsening economic conditions, including power, including food and fuel shortages.

The US Secretary of State remarked that the Russian aggression in Ukraine on food insecurity could be one of the factors that contributed to the current crisis in Sri Lanka, among many others.