EU calls for 'swift and peaceful' resolution to Sri Lanka's crisis

<p>The European Union said it&nbsp;expected a "swift and peaceful" resolution to Sri Lanka's political&nbsp;crisis in line with the constitution.</p> <p>Sri Lanka's political turmoil sparked by the president's sacking of the prime minister last month descended further into crisis last week after his decision to dissolve parliament, sacking all 225 lawmakers and calling fresh parliamentary elections.&nbsp;</p> <p>Echoing concern expressed by the <a href="https://www.tamilguardian.com/content/international-concern-over-dissol…">United States, UK, Australia and Canada, the EU and Norway </a>called on the Sri Lankan government to respect democratic institutions.&nbsp;</p> <blockquote><p> "The decision of President Sirisena to dissolve the Sri Lankan Parliament ahead of its planned reconvening risks undermining public confidence in the country’s democratic institutions and processes and further deepens the political and economic crisis in the country. A fully functioning Parliament is an essential pillar of democracy," the European Union External Action spokesperson said.&nbsp;</p> <p>"As a longstanding supporter of a democratic Sri Lanka, the European Union expects a swift and peaceful resolution of the current crisis, in line with the Sri Lankan Constitution." </p></blockquote> <p>Norway's foreign minister, Eriksen Soreide also expressed concern over Sirisena's decision.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p> <blockquote><p> "Norway is deeply concerned by President Sirisena’s decision to dissolve the #SriLanka parliament days before it was due to be reconvened. Norway calls on all parties to respect democratic institutions &amp; continue to exercise restraint- FM #EriksenSoreide" the ministry of foreign affairs tweeted.&nbsp; </p></blockquote> <p>Switzerland said it "deplores" the crisis and called on all parties to revert to the rule of law.&nbsp;</p> <blockquote><p> "Switzerland deplores the political crisis in Sri Lanka and the recent decision to dissolve Sri Lanka’s Parliament. It calls on all parties to follow democratic processes and to respect the rule of law.</p> <p>Switzerland is deeply concerned by the increasing political crisis in Sri Lanka and the recent decision to dissolve Sri Lanka’s Parliament. Switzerland considers that this decision threatens the stability of Sri Lanka, may have adverse effects on its economic prosperity, its democratic future and the ongoing reconciliation process supported by Switzerland in the past years. Switzerland calls upon all parties to revert to the rule of law and to the principles of good governance. It requests all actors to exercise restraint and calls upon President Sirisena to settle the current crisis as quickly as possible while respecting the country’s democratic institutions and processes." </p></blockquote> <p>&nbsp;</p>