Breaking its silence on the political crisis involving North Korea, Sri Lanka, on Saturday, condemned the firing of a ballistic missile of intercontinental range by the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK).

The Sri Lankan government also condemned the series of recent similar hostile acts by DPRK in violation of UN Security Council Resolutions.

"DPRK’s continued pursuit of nuclear and ballistic missile programmes and proliferation related activity pose a significant threat to international peace and security," the Sri Lankan statement said.

"In the interest of peace and security of all concerned, we urge the DPRK to refrain from such hostile acts and programmes, in violation of UN Security Council Resolutions, which impact adversely on the stability of the region and beyond.

The international community must unite in words and deeds to seek solutions to this grave situation which is an ever increasing threat to international peace and security," it also added.