International pressure on Sri Lanka to "oppose Russia"

Fourteen major countries, including the United States, have called on Sri Lanka to oppose Russia's invasion of Ukraine. The request was made by 14 diplomats, including the Ambassador and the High Commissioner in Colombo, in a joint statement.

The statement called on Sri Lanka to provide verbal support against Russian military intervention in accordance with UN Charter, which Sri Lanka has also signed.

Many countries have made this request, including the United States, Britain, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Japan, Romania, Switzerland, and all EU member states except the United States and Japan.

These countries are the best trading clients in Sri Lanka as well as the largest lenders in the country.

International relations analysts say Sri Lanka's support for this request could have an impact on the expected GSP concessions.