The United States has voiced concern about Sri Lanka's arrest of the defeated opposition presidential candidate stating it would worsen divisions as the island recovers from war. Speaking about the arrest of Gen. Fonseka State Department spokesman Philip Crowley said “It’s an unusual action to take right on the heels of an election."

Speaking to the media the State Department spokesman said, "We are following the situation closely and we have concerns that any action be in accord with Sri Lankan law." He said,"There is a tremendous need for the government of Sri Lanka to work to overcome the issues that exist within its society."

"It has to be very cautious that any actions it takes are designed to heal the split within Sri Lankan society, not to exacerbate it.Whatever the government does has implications for how democratic institutions are perceived in the future," Crowley said.