Many international entities and figures have condemned an attack on protestors of the peoples struggle at Galle Face this morning.
The European Union stressed on the importance of the freedom of expression to the public which proved essential to the country’s current transition.
The Bloc questioned how restricting it severely would assist in finding solutions to the current political and economic crisis.
Freedom of expression proved essential to 🇱🇰 current transition. Hard to see how restricting it severely can help in finding solutions to the current political and economic crises.
— EU in Sri Lanka (@EU_in_Sri_Lanka) July 22, 2022
Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and Maldives David McKinnon said it is crucial the authorities act with restraint and avoid violence.
Hearing what is happening at the Galle Face protest site. Not sure why this is happening now. It is crucial the authorities act with restraint and avoid violence.
— David McKinnon (@McKinnonDavid) July 21, 2022
Swiss Ambassador to Sri Lanka Dominik Furgler also tweeted that it is important for the government to ensure the peoples right to peacefully demonstrate and express opinions.
He explained that Sri Lanka needs mutual respect and cooperation to resolve its issues.
Follow developments at Galle Face with deep concern. The right to peacefully demonstrate and express opinions remains important. We urge for restraint and full access of medical services. Sri Lanka needs mutual respect and cooperation to get on.
— Dominik Furgler (@SwissAmbLKA) July 22, 2022
U.S. Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung tweeted that she is deeply concerned about actions taken against protestors at Galle Face in the middle of the night.
She also urged authorities to exercise restraint, and provide access for the injured to receive immediate medical attention.
https://twitter.com/USAmbSL/status/1550286506371080192?s=20&t=yFkxHwXu-NdvoPVU6DqQaA
Meanwhile, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Sarah Hulton said she is very concerned about reports from the Galle Face protest site.
She reiterated 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
Meanwhile, the Norway Ambassador to Sri Lanka Trine Jøranli Eskedal also condemned the attacks on peaceful protesters this morning, where journalists and lawyers were also injured.
The Ambassador urged authorities to show restraint, respect rule of law and fundamental rights. Eskedal added people have a right to peaceful assembly and to express themselves freely.
We condemn the attacks on peaceful protestors in #SriLanka last night, where also journalists and lawyers were injured. We urge authorities to show restraint, respect rule of law & fundamental rights. People have a right to peaceful assembly and to express themselves freely.
— Trine Jøranli Eskedal (@NorwayAmbLK) July 22, 2022
A large group of Army, Air Force and Police Special Task Force officers stormed the protest site, at around 01:30 this morning.
A heated situation arose between the two groups, during the confrontation by authorities.
Reports claim that journalists and lawyers have also been attacked during the incident.
The tri-forces and Police personnel have surrounded the site of the peoples protest at present.
However, sources confirm that approximately 100 individuals are still stuck at the protest site.
