UN chief Antonio Guterres concerned by Sri Lanka's political crisis; encourages the government to resolve conflict in accordance with the rule of law

UN chief Antonio Guterres has expressed concern over Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena's decision to dissolve the nation's Parliament, emphasizing the "utmost importance" of respecting democratic processes and resolving differences in accord with the rule of law.

Sri Lanka's political crisis deepened Friday as President Sirisena dissolved the Parliament amid and declared snap polls on January 5 after it became obvious that he did not have enough support in the House for Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, who was appointed by him under controversial circumstances.

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The Secretary-General "learned with concern" Sirisena's decision to dissolve Sri Lanka's parliament and move to new parliamentary elections, a statement issued on Saturday by Secretary-General Guterres' Deputy Spokesman Farhan Haq said.

Guterres underlined the "utmost importance of respecting democratic processes and institutions and resolving differences in accordance with the rule of law and due process."

He modified his call on the Sri Lankan government to ensure peace and safety for the country and sustain its commitments to human rights, justice and reconciliation.

The island nation wedged into a political turmoil after Sri Lanka’s President sacked Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe on October 26 and replaced him with former president Rajapaksa over alleged personal hostility. 

Wickremesinghe, who called the move as a "constitutional coup", has refused to divest his official residence, saying he is the lawful prime minister and that the president has no constitutional right to replace him.

Accentuating the on-going crisis, Resident Coordinator in Sri Lanka Hanaa Singer last month met the Speaker of Parliament Karu Jayasuriya underlining Guterres' message for the need to respect democratic values and constitutional provisions. 

President Sirisena signed a gazette notification to dissolve the nation's parliament with effect from Friday midnight.

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According to the Gazette notice, nominations to contest the snap election would be taken between November 19 and 26. The election will be held January 5 and the new parliament would be convened on January 17.

Sirisena issued the gazette noticing that the parliament stands dissolved some 21 months ahead of its schedule in August 2020.