The European Union Delegation in agreement with the Embassies of EU Member States in Sri Lanka, as well as the Embassies of Norway and Switzerland issue the following statement:
The EU Heads of Mission and the Ambassadors of Norway and Switzerland are very concerned about the recent efforts to restrict legitimate public activities of civil society and non-governmental organisations in Sri Lanka.
We urge the Sri Lankan authorities to respect the right of every individual to exercise their freedom of expression, opinion, association and assembly and to take part in the public affairs without undue interference.
We call upon the Sri Lankan authorities to create a safe and enabling environment in which civil society can operate free from hindrance and insecurity.
An independent, diverse and pluralistic civil society is indispensable for building peaceful, prosperous and democratic societies.