Presidential polls important for reconciliation process: European Commission

The forthcoming presidential election is important for Sri Lanka to continue making progress on the country’s path of reform and national reconciliation, the European Commission says.

In response to an invitation by the Election Commission, the European Union (EU) has deployed an EU Election Observation Mission to Sri Lanka to observe the presidential election on 16 November.

“Deploying an Election Observation Mission for the upcoming presidential election confirms our continuing engagement and commitment in support of democratic processes in the country,” Federica Mogherini, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission said in a statement.

Mogherini notes that she was confident that the deployment of an European Union Election Observation Mission EU EOM to Sri Lanka will contribute to an inclusive, credible and transparent election.

Meanwhile, EU EOM  Chief Observer, Marisa Matias, says it was important for the EU to continue observing elections in Sri Lanka as a form of support for the Sri Lankan people and their efforts to strengthen democratic institutions.

“I am hopeful that our observation will provide an important contribution to this election and, through its follow-up, to efforts to further strengthen the electoral processes and institutions,” Marisa Matias said.