UN urges Sri Lanka to resolve issues pertaining to unrest through dialogue

The UN under-secretary-general for political affairs Jeffrey Feltman is due to arrive Sri Lanka on Friday for a three-day visit to Sri Lanka

The UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric informed the media that his trip was planned before the recent state of emergency and confirmed that he will visit as scheduled.

“He is expected to visit Kandy and also to meet religious leaders there,” Dujarric told the Inner City Press.

Meanwhile, he has said that the UN has welcomed the the Sri Lankan government's commitment to addressing the tensions and achieve reconciliation.  “We urge all Sri Lankans to resolve their differences through dialogue,” he said.

Meanwhile, the United Nations in Sri Lanka, which has condemned the incidents of communal violence, has urged the government to take immediate action to punish the perpetrators who ignited the violence.

“The UN also urges authorities, and all citizens to ensure that the rule of law is upheld, human rights are protected, and security and safety is ensured for all,” it said.

The US State Department in its tweet said : “The Sri Lankan Government declared a State of Emergency and curfews have been imposed in some regions, including Kandy Administrative District, due to communal unrest. Further incidents are possible over the next few days. Monitor local media for updates,”

Meanwhile, US, UK and Australia have issued travel advisories after the Sri Lankan government declared a one-week long State of Emergency.

The Australian Foreign Ministry has also requested Australian travelers to avoid protests and large public gatherings as they have the potential to turn violent and exercise normal safety precautions while in Sri Lanka.

(Reporting by Shanika Sriyananda)