Jan 11, Colombo: The United States today expressed its deep concern over the Sri Lankan government's impeachment proceedings against Chief Justice Dr. Shirani Bandaranayake and the violence during protests against the impeachment.

Issuing a statement the U.S. Embassy in Colombo said it remains deeply concerned by the impeachment proceedings against Dr. Bandaranayake, which were conducted "in defiance of a Supreme Court order."

The statement said the impeachment calls into question issues about the separation of powers in Sri Lanka and the impact of its absence on democratic institutions.

The Embassy expressed concern about accounts of violence during several of the protests and called on all sides to respect the right of peaceful protest, and on the government to ensure that non-violent protesters are protected.

"The United States, along with our partners in the international community, continue to urge the Government of Sri Lanka to uphold the rule of law and respect the principles of democratic governance," the Embassy said.

Sri Lanka parliament today passed the resolution to impeach the Chief Justice with a majority of 106 votes.