US not satisfied with govt. in terms of protecting democracy

The United States has stated that it is not satisfied with the explanations given by the Sri Lankan government in terms of protecting democracy following the impeachment of former Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake.

Speaking to the media yesterday (January 16) Spokeswoman for the US State Department, Victoria Nuland stated that it is however too early to say what impact the impeachment would have on the foreign assistance given to Sri Lanka by the US.

She clarified that the US government assisted Sri Lanka with $27 million in 2012 which included $13.3 million in bilateral assistance programmes focused on peace and security, human rights, economic growth and democracy. She confirmed that there was also a request for $16.5 million for Sri Lanka for 2013.

When questioned about the response of the Sri Lankan government in terms of the explanation given regarding its actions with the impeachment of the former Chief Justice, she stated “we are obviously in contact with them. I would not say that the explanations are satisfactory in terms of protecting democracy”.