Lanka opposed to Yanukovich's ouster in Ukraine

Sri Lanka today opposed the removal of President Viktor Yanukovich from office in Ukraine while acknowledging Russia's "justifiable concerns" about recent developments in the crisis-hit nation.
The external affairs ministry said in a statement that in keeping with Sri Lanka's consistent policy of recognising democratically-elected heads of state, the unconstitutional removal of Yanukovych is regretted and has aggravated the present political uncertainty in Ukraine.
"While acknowledging the justifiable concerns of the Russian Federation, Sri Lanka also welcomes attempts at de-escalating the tension," the statement added.
Sri Lanka is confident that the parties concerned would be able to resolve the issues arising out of recent developments, through a legitimate democratic process, enabling harmonious co-existence of the people of Ukraine, the statement said.

Yanukovich fled the capital Kiev last month and later the parliament voted to strip him of his powers and impeach him.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa had visited Ukraine in 2010 becoming the first Sri Lankan head of state to do so.