U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry has called Sri Lanka's president to urge that elections being held Thursday be free from violence and intimidation.
Kerry spoke by telephone Tuesday night with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who faces a fierce political battle to win a third term in office against a onetime ally.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters Wednesday that the U.S. is concerned about reports of violence that have surfaced during the election campaign. She also urged free access for international and local election observers.
Sri Lanka's military has been accused of intimidating voters in past elections and of campaigning for Rajapaksa.
U.S. relations with the Sri Lanka have become strained as Washington has pushed for a credible investigation into serious rights abuses during the island nation's civil war.
Kerry spoke by telephone Tuesday night with President Mahinda Rajapaksa, who faces a fierce political battle to win a third term in office against a onetime ally.
State Department spokeswoman Jen Psaki told reporters Wednesday that the U.S. is concerned about reports of violence that have surfaced during the election campaign. She also urged free access for international and local election observers.
Sri Lanka's military has been accused of intimidating voters in past elections and of campaigning for Rajapaksa.
U.S. relations with the Sri Lanka have become strained as Washington has pushed for a credible investigation into serious rights abuses during the island nation's civil war.
