US asks SL to fulfill its obligations to protect minorities

Continuing violence in recent days has resulted in several deaths, scores of injuries, and destruction of personal property

The US has condemned the recent incidents of violence in Sri Lanka, and asked the Rajapaksha government to fulfill its obligations of protecting religious minorities.

"The United States condemns the continuing violence in Sri Lanka. We are concerned by inflammatory rhetoric that has incited violence in recent days, resulting in several deaths, scores of injuries, and destruction of personal property," State Department Spokesperson, Jen Psaki, told reporters.

"We urge the Sri Lankan Government to fulfill its obligations to protect religious minorities, including protecting all citizens and places of worship, conducting a full investigation into the violence, and bringing those responsible to justice," she said.

"We also urge all sides to refrain from violence, exercise restraint, and respect the rule of law. The United States Government continues to stand by the many millions of Sri Lankans who want a peaceful and unified country," Psaki said.