The US Senator Chris Van Hollen wrote to the Sri Lankan president yesterday, urging him to seek an end to the political crisis in the island and accept the results of the two no-confidence motions against Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Sri Lanka has been in a state of turmoil for weeks following Sirisena's shock sacking of the prime minister Ranil Wickremesinghe, and the appointment of Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Highlighting increased ties between the US and Sri Lanka, through the proposed Millenium Challenge Corporation compact and increases in economic and security assistance, Van Hollen warned that rule of law and democracy was at risk.
"The decision to oust the sitting prime minister, suspend the parliament, attempt to hold snap elections and reject the votes of Sri Lanka's democratically-elected representatives could also threaten the progress made in strenghtening our bilateral relationship."
"I respectfully urge you to seek an end to this impasse in a manner consistent with the Sri Lankan constitution, the democratic process and the rule of law."
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