Sri Lanka concerned over Karannagoda blacklisting

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka has expressed concern with the decision taken by the US to blacklist Governor Karannagoda.

The Foreign Ministry said that Sri Lanka regrets the decision by the U.S. to designate Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda, the present Governor of the North Western Province, on 26 April 2023.

Foreign Minister Ali Sabry expressed Sri Lanka’s grave concerns associated with this decision to the U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung on 27 April 2023.

A foreign ministry statement noted that as a longstanding bilateral partner of Sri Lanka, such unilateral action by the U.S. without following due process is counter-productive to the holistic approach that Sri Lanka has taken on addressing national unity and reconciliation. 

It added that it is also unfortunate that the announcement emanates against the backdrop of tangible progress made by the Government in strengthening the country’s democratic governance and reconciliation structures.

The Foreign Ministry said that despite these challenges, Sri Lanka will continue in its ongoing efforts to achieve reconciliation, economic recovery and socio-economic development.