The United National Party (UNP) today called on the Government to pressure the Myanmar delegation, scheduled to visit Sri Lanka for the BIMSTEC Conference, the necessity to revert to the democratically elected President, State Counsellor and Parliament. In a statement, the party said it recognised that Sri Lanka has international obligations as the Chairperson of BIMSTEC to extend an invitation to all member states. “We urge the Government to privately engage the Myanmar delegation and pressure them to reverse their ongoing military coup,” it said. The UNP said Sri Lanka has enjoyed relations with Myanmar dating back to the 4th Century. “Using this close relationship, the Government must continue to push for an immediate halt of the ongoing violence, and the resumption of office by the legally elected officials. “The UNP, back in February, condemned the military coup that saw the arrest of leading members of Myanmar's Government. The increasing violence between the military and the protesters does not reflect well on a nation that purports to practice Theravada Buddhism. The Party unequivocally denounces the ongoing violence and suppression of Democracy in Myanmar,” it said.