UN Resident Coordinator and UNDP Resident Representative in Sri Lanka Hanaa Singer had told President Maithripala Sirisena he needed to safeguard democratic values, uphold the rule of law and ensure the safety and security of all Sri Lankans.

The meeting between the UN representatives and the Sri Lankan President took place today, amidst a severe political crisis in Sri Lanka triggered by the sudden removal of Ranil Wickremesinghe as the Prime Minister.

Emphasising on the important steps taken to fulfil international commitments, including UNHRC resolutions, she expressed importance in maintaining progress in fulfilling these commitments, saying the UN would continue to support Sri Lanka in this regard.

President Sirisena has come under severe pressure from the diplomatic community to convene Parliament immediately and allow the legislature to select a Prime Minister. 

Meanwhile, the UN Resident Coordinator also met Opposition Leader R. Sampanthan at the Parliamentary complex today, where the latter stressed the need for exerting international pressure on President Sirisena to convene Parliament.