Following the appointment of Ranil Wickremesinghe to the post of Sri Lanka’s President, international diplomats have responded by issuing statements welcoming his support and hoping that this signals a move toward political stability.
Wickremesinghe’s appointment has been met with fierce opposition from the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP), refusing to accept any positions under his leadership as Prime Minister.
The US Ambassador for Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, tweeted:
Look forward to working w/ @RW_UNP. His appointment as PM, and the quick formation of an inclusive government, are first steps to addressing the crisis & promoting stability. We encourage meaningful progress at the IMF & long-term solutions that meet the needs of all Sri Lankans.
— Ambassador Julie Chung (@USAmbSL) May 12, 2022
India’s High Commissioner for Sri Lanka, Gopal Baglay, greeted Wickremesinghe in person and announced their meeting by tweeting:
High Commissioner called on Hon'ble PM @RW_UNP. Conveyed greetings and good wishes. Discussed continued cooperation for economic recovery and stability in #SriLanka through democratic processes towards the well being of all the people of . pic.twitter.com/XJur9hGLtw
— India in Sri Lanka (@IndiainSL) May 13, 2022
The UK High Commission in Sri Lanka responded to the announcement by tweeting:
The coming weeks are crucial for bringing political and economic stability to Sri Lanka. We encourage the government of Sri Lanka, led by @RW_UNP, to work towards this goal and respond to the needs of the Sri Lankan people.
— UK in Sri Lanka (@UKinSriLanka) May 13, 2022
Germany’s High Commissioner for Sri Lanka did not mention Wickremesinghe’s appointment but tweeted:
We, EU and member states, see the early sign of a political process. Hope coming weeks will offer resolution of the political instability that deepened the economic crisis. We encourage all parties to work to the benefit of all Sri Lankans and to remain peaceful.
— Ambassador Holger Seubert (@GermanAmbColo) May 13, 2022
Australia’s Ambassador to Sri Lanka stated on Twitter:
PM Ranil Wickremesinghe’s appointment is an opportunity for Sri Lanka to address the current crisis. Encourage the establishment of a new government to work towards an enduring solution for all Sri Lankans.
— Australia in Sri Lanka and Maldives (@AusHCSriLanka) May 13, 2022
China’s ambassador to Sri Lanka, Qi Zhenhong, also met with Wickremesinghe and extended their support.
On 13th May, Ambassador Qi Zhenhong called-on Prime Minister Hon. Ranil Wickremesinghe @RW_UNP and extended #China's continuous support to #SriLanka in overcoming current challenges and reviving socio-economic development.@MFA_China @MFA_SriLanka pic.twitter.com/2AL52O73TD
— Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka (@ChinaEmbSL) May 13, 2022