Blinken: US closely following developments in Sri Lanka

Blinken told reporters during a press conference in Bangkok, Thailand, "we've seen now thousands of people of all backgrounds taking to the streets, looking for accountability, looking for transparency, looking for a better future." 

He added "we would urge the Sri Lankan parliament to approach this with a commitment to the betterment of the country, not any one political party." He continued "then it's incumbent on the government, whether it's a new, constitutionally-selected government, the existing government, to work quickly to try to identify and implement solutions that will bring back the prospect of long-term economic stability, address the Sri Lankan people's discontent, which is so powerful and palpable, over the worsening economic conditions."

"At the same time, as we're seeing this unfold, we condemn any violence against peaceful protestors and journalists, he remarked.

"The Sri Lankan people have a right to peacefully raise their voices." He stressed "at the same time, we call for a full investigation, arrest, prosecution of anyone involved in any protest-related violence and incidents of violence." Sri Lanka is facing an economic crisis that resulted in huge protests.