<span style="color: #222222;">Western nations led by US and UK have expressed concern over the dissolution of Sri Lanka parliament while new government maintains that President was within his powers to do so. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The United States said, it is deeply concerned by the news that Sri Lanka Parliament has been dissolved, further deepening the political crisis. In a statement, it said they believe democratic institutions and processes need to be respected to ensure stability and prosperity. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The United Kingdom also raised concerns over the decision to dissolve the Parliament days before it was due to be reconvened. Australian Minister for Foreign Affairs said in a statement they believe this action undermines Sri Lanka's long democratic tradition and poses a risk to its stability and prosperity. Similar views were expressed by Canada another nations.</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Meanwhile, the ministers of new government under Mahinda Rajapaksa today defended the decision saying there are constitutional provisions for dissolution and it was the only way to override the ongoing crisis. </span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">Earlier, United National Front (UNF) led by ousted Prime minister Ranil Wickresmsinghe has decided to challenge in Supreme court the&nbsp; President's decision to dissolve parliament.&nbsp;</span><br />'' <br />'' <span style="color: #222222;">The decision was reached after a parliamentary group meeting of UNF this morning and the case will be filed on Monday.&nbsp; UNF and some smaller parties termed the move as illegal, unconstitutional and unacceptable. President Maithripala Sirisena had dissolved the Parliament through a gazette notification last night and called for elections on fifth of January.&nbsp;</span>
News On AIR | November 10, 2018 6:39 PM
Western countries express concern over dissolution of Sri Lanka parliament