UN chief: Sri Lanka elections opportunity for reconciliation

Upcoming provincial elections in Sri Lanka are an opportunity for reconciliation in the country, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said Thursday, calling on all parties to peacefully participate in the democratic process. In a statement issued by his office, Ban described the elections as a way to “foster political reconciliation and to build confidence between Sri Lankans after many years of conflict.� The UN secretary-general welcomed the provincial elections, which are scheduled for September 21, particularly in the Northern Province, which has not had such elections since 1987. He also called on all parties “to participate peacefully in the elections and to work together in the period following the elections to address the national and post-war agenda constructively and collaboratively.?