Sri Lanka Bar Association slam assault on protestors, UK, US concerned
ECONOMYNEXT – Sri Lanka’s top lawyers association has condemned assaults by security forces on peaceful protestors shortly after Ranil Wickremesinghe was made president from the Presidential Secretariat and its environs, US envoy Julie Chung and UK High Commissioner Sarah Hulton expressed concern.
“The Bar Association strongly and unreservedly condemns the use of force and violence last night by authorities in attacking protestors at Galle Face in the vicinity of the Presidential Secretariat,” BASL chief Saliya Pieris said in a twitter.com message.
The BASL condemns the attack by the forces on protestors. It is a black day for the country. The attacks happen on the first day in office of the new President. Shame!! pic.twitter.com/dTRgTf93VU
— Saliya Pieris (@saliyapieris) July 22, 2022
US envoy Julie Chung called for restraint and medical treatment for injured protestors.
“Deeply concerned about actions taken against protestors at Galle Face in the middle of the night,” said in a twitter.com message.
“We urge restraint by authorities & immediate access to medical attention for those injured.”
The BASL condemns the attack by the forces on protestors. It is a black day for the country. The attacks happen on the first day in office of the new President. Shame!! pic.twitter.com/dTRgTf93VU
— Saliya Pieris (@saliyapieris) July 22, 2022
Read More Sri Lanka peaceful protest site raided as military called under emergency law
Protestors said they were assaulted while sources said 9 persons including one woman was admitted to hospital with minor injuries.
“Very concerned about reports from the Galle Face protest site, British High Commissioner Sarah Hulton said.
“We have made clear the importance of the right to peaceful protest.”
Very concerned about reports from the Galle Face protest site. We have made clear the importance of the right to peaceful protest
— Sarah Hulton OBE (@SarahHultonFCDO) July 21, 2022
Police spokesman Nihal Thalduwa said persons who were occupying the Presidential secretariat and it environs were cleared to allow it to be used.
Newly appointed President Ranil Wickremesinghe in a gazette notice under emergency law called out troops overnight to support police.
