(July 08, Colombo, Sri Lanka Guardian) The UN has received fresh assurances of safety and security of its staff from the Sri Lankan government, its spokesperson said in New York.
The spokesperson said Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon’s chief of staff, Vijay Nambiar, met Sri Lanka’s Ambassador to the UN, Palitha Kohona, who gave “full and clear” assurances of UN staff safety and security.
Spokesperson Farhan Haq also said the UN was closely monitoring developments in Colombo following protests outside the world body’s offices.
The spokesperson pointed out that Minister Wimal Weerawansa himself said in a press conference that the UN staff would be allowed to move in and out of the compound.
“We trust that the government of Sri Lanka will honour the commitments made in ensuring the safety and security of our staff so that they can continue the vital work being carried out by the UN each day to help the people of Sri Lanka,” Mr Haq said in New York.
The UN Country Team (UNCT) in Sri Lanka confirmed that essential staff will return to normal work.
“However, as there are some indications of demonstrators remaining outside the compound, the UNCT will assess whether all staff could return soon,” said the spokesperson.
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