US calls for peaceful elections in Sri Lanka

Malaysia News.Net
Tuesday 12th January, 2010

The US said Tuesday that it was 'deeply concerned' over the escalating violence linked to the Jan 26 presidential elections in Sri Lanka.

Referring to a fatal shooting, an American embassy statement urged the 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 nationwide election in a peaceful, united Sri Lanka in several decades. We hope that the election is conducted freely, fairly and without violence,' it said.

President Mahinda Rajapaksa is pitted against former army chief Sarath Fonseka in the election.

Have your say on this story