Fiona O'Loughlin
Question:114. Deputy Fiona O'Loughlin asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade the status of the political situation in Sri Lanka; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [49740/18]
View answerWednesday, 28 November 2018
Questions (114)
Written answers
As it stands, the political situation in Sri Lanka remains uncertain and is still evolving. President Maithripala Sirisena's decision to replace Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe with a new appointee, Mahinda Rajapaksa, and to dissolve the parliament has led to protests across the country. The decision to dissolve parliament has since been suspended by the Supreme Court until 7th December. We have been closely monitoring these recent political developments in Sri Lanka, which have received extensive international media coverage. Current events are a test of Sri Lanka’s democratic institutions and it is important for Sri Lanka to find a solution that is respectful of the country’s constitution and also avoids violence and provocation.
Officials in my Department, including at the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi, which is also accredited to Sri Lanka, continue to monitor closely the situation as it develops. I have asked that Ireland’s Ambassador in New Delhi keep me updated on the situation.