SL gearing up for elections in 2024: UK

Sri Lanka is among the South Asian countries gearing up for elections at different levels in 2024, alongside India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, and Maldives, the UK government said.

In response to a written question in UK Parliament about the South Asian countries elections, Anne-Marie Trevelyan Minister of State (Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office) stated that India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Bhutan and Maldives are all expected to hold elections at different levels in 2024.

“The UK believes transparent, democratic governance is in the interests of all people and the long-term stability of every nation. We raise the importance of free and fair elections in our discussions with South Asian governments, and with opposition parties and others,” the Minister of State stated.

“We press for an end to harassment and intimidation of civil society, media and opposition parties. Ministers and HMG officials visiting the region, regularly convey that respect for the rule of law and access to justice are essential in open democracies,” she added.