SL rejects US decision to designate Wasantha Karannagoda

Sri Lanka has rejected the U.S. decision to designate Admiral of the Fleet Wasantha Karannagoda and also expressed its ‘grave concern’ about the decision, the foreign ministry said.

Issuing a statement the ministry said that Foreign Minister Ali Sabry expressed Sri Lanka’s grave concerns associated with this decision to the U.S. Ambassador Julie Chung today.

 “As a longstanding bilateral partner of Sri Lanka, such unilateral action by the U.S. without following due process is counter-productive to the holistic approach that Sri Lanka has taken on addressing national unity and reconciliation, the ministry stated.

“It is also unfortunate that the announcement emanates against the backdrop of tangible progress made by the Government in strengthening the country’s democratic governance and reconciliation structures,” it said. 

However, the statement also said that despite these challenges, Sri Lanka will continue in its ongoing efforts to achieve reconciliation, economic recovery and socio-economic development.