The United States stated that the upcoming Presidential Election is the first nation-wide election in a peaceful, united Sri Lanka in several decades and urges to hold it freely and fairly.

US made this statement in a press release issued yesterday (Jan 12).

Following is the full text of the press release from the Embassy of the United States of America

United States Urges Peaceful Elections

The United States is deeply concerned by the escalating violence surrounding the upcoming presidential elections, particularly reports of today’s fatal shooting. We urge the appropriate authorities to conduct a full investigation of this and other acts of violence and to protect those exercising their democratic right to support the candidate of their choice. This is the first nation-wide election in a peaceful, united Sri Lanka in several decades. We hope that the election is conducted freely, fairly and without violence.