The European Union (EU) office in Sri Lanka on Wednesday raised concerns over a number of recent incidents regarding the rule of law and individual freedoms in the country.

In a statement,the EU made reference to moves to impeach the chief justice in the country, an assault on minority Tamil students in the northern Jaffna town and a prison riot where several inmates were killed.

"The European Union looks to the Sri Lankan authorities to ensure that the independence of the judiciary is protected; that investigations into the large number of deaths at the Welikada prison are speedy and impartial; and that all citizens, including students, journalists and opposition politicians, are able to exercise their fundamental rights without impediment," the statement said.

The EU noted that several other domestic and international actors have also expressed concerns, including the Commonwealth secretary general, the UN special rapporteur on the Independence of Judges and Lawyers and the Asian Human Rights Commission.

Sri Lankan Chief Justice Shirani Bandaranayake appeared before a parliament select committee on Tuesday to respond to charges raised against her by the government.

The chief justice rejected the charges but still faces an impeachment where she is ultimately likely to be removed.