Commonwealth commends Sri Lanka PM for commitment to democratic process

Thu, Dec 27, 2018, 08:25 pm SL Time, ColomboPage News Desk, Sri Lanka.

Dec 27, Colombo: The Commonwealth congratulating Sri Lanka's reinstated Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe commended the Premier and other political stakeholders for defending the democratic process and upholding the rule of law and the constitutional framework.

"In particular, I commend you and other political stakeholders for your steadfastness in defense and support of the rule of law and the constitutional framework," the Secretary General of Commonwealth Patricia Scotland, QC said in a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Wickremesinghe.

The Secretary General welcomed the peaceful resolution of the political crisis in Sri Lanka and offered the Commonwealth's steadfast support to Sri Lanka to improve political reconciliation, progress constitutional reforms and entrench the rule of law.

Full text of the Secretary General's message:

Prime Minister:

I write to welcome the peaceful resolution of the political crisis in Sri Lanka and to congratulate you on the occasion of your swearing in to mark your re-installation as Prime Minister.

In particular, I commend you and other political stakeholders for your steadfastness in defense and support of the rule of law and the constitutional framework. The way in which the crisis was resolved is a testament to the strength and resilience of Sri Lanka's democratic institutions and to the commitment of political stakeholders to the democratic process.

As communicated to His Excellency President Maithripala Sirisena, the Commonwealth remains ready to support Sri Lanka's efforts to improve political reconciliation, progress constitutional reform, and entrench the rule of law.

In the above context, I trust we will be able to progress as number of engagements which we are hoping to take forward with Sri Lanka, and very much look forward to building on the longstanding and fruitful partnership between your country and the Commonwealth Secretariat.


Please accept, Prime Minister, the continued assurances of my highest consideration.