CJ Removal: US says Sri Lanka will face consequences

United States Department of State spokesperson Victoria Nuland questioning Sri Lanka's "quality of democracy", told the Tuesday, 15 January media briefing that Sri Lanka will face consequences for its actions when it comes to foreign investments.

She further reminded the (US is concerned) about what the impeachment said "about the democratic process, that we were concerned about the perception of reprisals against somebody for independent thinking and action".

Following is the complete dialogue that took place at the Washington media briefing.

Question: One small thing, I know you’ve talked about Sri Lanka a couple of times.

Question: This is not about the removal of the chief justice, but rather about the President’s choice of one of his close allies to now serve as chief justice. Do you have anything to say about that in particular?

Ms.Nuland: Not on that particular issue except to say that we had made clear throughout this impeachment that we were concerned about what it said about the democratic process, that we were concerned about the perception of reprisals against somebody for independent thinking and action. So those concerns remain with regard to the quality of Sri Lankan democracy.

Question: One other thing I should have mentioned. She is quoted today as saying that she – the former chief justice or the ousted chief justice, she maintains that she still is the chief justice – is quoted as saying her life is under threat. Do you have anything to say about that?

Ms. Nuland: I have not seen those comments. Let me also add, as I said yesterday, that this entire issue also serves to undermine the international reputation of Sri Lanka as it pertains to investment decisions that foreign companies might make, so there is usually a cost to this kind of thing in terms of their ability to attract foreign investment.

Question: How about to U.S. assistance if any?

Ms. Nuland: I don’t have anything at the current moment on that. Let me check up on our current assistance situation with Sri Lanka. All right? Thank you all.

Question: Thank you.

- Asian Tribune -