President and UN Chief discuss political crisis

President Maithripala Sirisena says he spoke to?UN Secretary General Ant?nio Guterres last evening on the political crisis in the country.

Sirisena said that he assured the?UN Secretary General?the appointment of the new Prime Minister was done in keeping with the Constitution of Sri Lanka.

“I had a very successful telephone conversation with UN Secretary General H.E. Ant?nio Guterres last evening. I assured him that the appointment of the new Prime Minister has been done in keeping with the Constitution of Sri Lanka,” the President said.

Meanwhile,?the UN Secretary-General spokesperson’s office said that the Secretary-General informed the President that he was following the latest developments in Sri Lanka with concern and offered assistance in facilitating a dialogue with all the parties to resolve the situation.

He emphasized the Government?s responsibility to ensure peace, security and respect for the rule of law.

The Secretary-General urged the President to revert to Parliamentary procedures and allow the Parliament to vote as soon as possible.

He encouraged the Government to uphold its earlier commitments to human rights, justice and reconciliation, in line with Human Rights Council resolutions.?(Colombo Gazette)