As political voices clash at home, Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister has drawn a clear line between party opinion and state policy, stressing diplomacy, international law, and restraint over rhetoric.
Explaining Sri Lanka’s official position on the United States military action against Venezuela, Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said the government is bound to act strictly in accordance with the United Nations Charter and established principles of international law. Addressing a media briefing in Colombo, he stressed that safeguarding national independence and sovereignty remains a mandatory obligation for all UN member states.
The minister noted that every country represented at the United Nations is required to adhere to these shared rules, regardless of political alignment. He confirmed that a meeting of the UN Security Council has already been convened to discuss the situation in Venezuela and said Sri Lanka has proposed expediting deliberations on the matter.
Herath further explained that actions which contradict the fundamental charters and principles of the United Nations must be addressed through appropriate mechanisms within the UN General Assembly. According to him, this is the correct forum for resolving disputes that carry serious international implications.
Responding to questions from journalists about differing political reactions, the minister acknowledged that political parties are free to express their own views. However, he emphasized that the government’s position extends beyond party politics. Referring to the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna statement condemning the attack, Herath said that “the government is an institution that represents all parties and opposition parties in the country.”
He concluded by stressing that unlike a political party, the government presents its stance at a diplomatic level, guided by international conventions, collective responsibility, and the broader national interest.
