US Ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, has stressed that Local Government elections are critical for Sri Lanka's democracy.
Chung spoke as the Chief Guest at the National Law Conference organized by the Bar Association of Sri Lanka in Colombo on 12 March.
During her speech, the Ambassador said, "democracies are under strain across the globe and no democracy stands without the rule of law." She continued "you are the guardians of that precious rule."
Chung also emphasized that "the US supports the right of every Sri Lankan to participate in their government and peacefully voice their concerns."
Underpinning those rights according to Chung is Sri Lanka's history of free elections.
The ambassador added that Local Government elections are critical because it gives "citizens the ability to advocate directly to the government in partnership with civil society organizations and through qualified legal representation in an independent judiciary."
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