Sri Lanka has again abstained on a UN resolution calling for an immediate end to the conflict in Ukraine and for Russia to withdraw its presence from Ukrainian territory.
The nonbinding resolution comes on the anniversary of Russia’s illegal invasion of Ukraine and reaffirms support for Ukrainian sovereignty and maintains the need for accountability for war crimes.
In March 2022, a similar resolution was passed, and Sri Lanka was one of 35 countries to abstain despite increasing calls for the island to oppose Russia’s aggression. Despite the increased scrutiny Russia has faced, Sri Lanka has sought to strengthen relationships under an alleged foreign policy of “friends with all”.
On Twitter, James Dauris, former British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and to the Maldives, congratulated the Maldives for backing the resolution whilst also noting his disappointment that Sri Lanka refused.
Good to see Maldives join 140 other UN members in the General Assembly demanding that Russia immediately withdraw its military forces from Ukraine. A pity that none of Bangladesh, India, Pakistan or Sri Lanka chose to show the same support for the fundamental principles at stake. https://t.co/b9V1qicioK
— James Dauris (@JamesDauris) February 25, 2023