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EU delegation expresses concern about rule of law

The European Union’s delegation in Sri Lanka has expressed concern over recent incidents concerning the rule of law and individual freedoms on the island.

In a statement, the EU said it looks towards Sri Lanka to ensure “that all citizens, including students, journalists and opposition politicians, are able to exercise their fundamental rights without impediment.”

See full statement below.

“The European Union Delegation in Colombo is concerned by a number of recent
developments in Sri Lanka surrounding the rule of law and individual freedoms.

"The European Union looks to the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure that the independence of the judiciary is protected; that investigations into the large number of deaths at the Welikada prison are speedy and impartial; and that all citizens, including students, journalists and opposition politicians, are able to exercise their fundamental rights without impediment.

"The European Union Delegation notes that several other domestic and international actors have also expressed concerns, including the Commonwealth Secretary General, the UN Special Rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers and the Asian Human Rights Commission.”

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