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CANADA CONCERNED OVER DEVELOPMENTS IN SRI LANKA

November 6, 2003 (11:20 a.m. EST) No. 170

CANADA CONCERNED OVER DEVELOPMENTS IN SRI LANKA

Foreign Affairs Minister Bill Graham and Secretary of State (Asia-Pacific) David Kilgour today expressed concern over recent political developments in Sri Lanka, including directives by the President to dismiss three key cabinet ministers, suspend Parliament and impose a state of emergency.

"We urge all parties to solve their differences in a peaceful manner, in keeping with Sri Lanka's democratic tradition," said Minister Graham. "Canada and many other countries have invested heavily in the peace process, and we urge the parties in Sri Lanka to make every effort to ensure a stable political environment in which that process may be advanced."

The Minister added that he witnessed broad support for the peace process during an official visit to Sri Lanka last month.

"Canada's commitment to helping advance the peace process is unwavering," said Mr. Kilgour. "We will continue to monitor the situation closely."

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