Colombo raises concerns over US action in Venezuela, backs UN process
COLOMBO – Sri Lanka on Sunday (4) voiced support for United Nations action following the United States’ military operation in Venezuela and the capture of its President Nicolás Maduro, stressing the need to uphold international law and the sovereignty of states.
Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath said that Sri Lanka expects all actions taken by the international community to be in line with the principles and conventions of the United Nations.
“It is essential that actions are carried out in accordance with United Nations conventions, in order to protect international law and the independence of countries,” Herath told reporters. “All member states of the United Nations are committed to these principles.”
The Foreign Minister confirmed that a meeting of the United Nations Security Council had been convened to discuss the situation in Venezuela and said Sri Lanka supports urgent deliberation on the matter.
“From our side, we are calling for this process to be expedited,” Herath said, noting that the United Nations has to take measures when actions violate its conventions and fundamental principles. “That is Sri Lanka’s position,” he said.
The comments come amid mounting global concern after US forces carried out air and ground operations targeting Venezuelan defence installations, followed by the capture and transfer of President Maduro to the United States. Washington has justified the operation by alleging that the Venezuelan leadership was involved in large-scale drug trafficking directed at the US.
Following Maduro’s capture, US President Donald Trump said the United States would oversee Venezuela’s transition and indicated that American companies would be involved in developing the country’s vast oil resources, remarks that have intensified international debate over the motives and legality of the intervention.
United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has warned that the operation sets a “dangerous precedent,” expressing deep concern that the rules of international law may not have been respected. The Security Council meeting is expected to address questions of sovereignty, the use of force, and the broader implications for global security.
Analysts note that developments of this nature carry particular significance for smaller states such as Sri Lanka, which rely heavily on international law and multilateral institutions to safeguard their sovereignty.
“Any weakening of the international rules-based order increases the vulnerability of small and medium-sized countries,” one foreign policy analyst said. “That is why adherence to UN principles is not an abstract issue, but a vital national interest.”
Sri Lanka has traditionally maintained a non-aligned foreign policy stance and has consistently advocated for multilateral solutions through the United Nations, particularly in matters involving international conflict and the use of force.
–ENCL
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