Sri Lanka's External Affairs Ministry rejected a security message issued by the United States last week, which had warned its citizens about increased anti-Western sentiments and violent demonstrations in Sri Lanka, stating that the US should itself examine the root causes of the widening gap in relations between the two countries.
In a statement released on Monday, the Ministry said it "takes serious note" of the message, which it said "regrettably creates a false and alarmist view of the conditions prevalent in Sri Lanka".
See full statement by Sri Lanka's Ministry of External Affairs here.
See security message by the US State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security, published August 8, here.
In a statement released on Monday, the Ministry said it "takes serious note" of the message, which it said "regrettably creates a false and alarmist view of the conditions prevalent in Sri Lanka".
"There have been no instances of violent protests targeting the US Embassy, its diplomats, officials or citizens, though claimed by the US State Department’s Security Message, that such incidents could occur."
"The recent demonstration on 8th August in front of the US Embassy on the current situation in Gaza was organized by an opposition political party. The protest had been peaceful. In fact it is known that the US Embassy in Colombo maintains working relations with all opposition parties, including that which staged this demonstration."
"With reference to the US perception that there is increasing anti-Western sentiment, for which the basis is unclear, it would be prudent for the US authorities to examine the root causes for such a development, and corrective measures may be sought in order to stymie the widening gap in the bilateral relationship."
See full statement by Sri Lanka's Ministry of External Affairs here.
See security message by the US State Department's Bureau of Diplomatic Security, published August 8, here.