Secretary of Defence Gen. (Rtd.) Kamal Gunaratne says they have no plans to abuse military power by unleashing it on peaceful protesters.
Issuing a statement, the Ministry of Defence said military forces will not be deployed to suppress democratically held peaceful protests.
The Defence Secretary said the military will assist Police if only such assistance is requested in order to defend the nation, uphold the constitution and restore the peace and order among Sri Lankans in the event of a violent uprising.
The Ministry’s statement noted there was no truth concerning posts on social media which claim members of the intelligence services may walk among peaceful protesters and try to disperse the crowd by provoking a conflict or triggering a bomb blast.
Defence Secretary Kamal Gunaratne commented that legal action will be taken against those found to be destroying or damaging public property or private property under the pretext of peaceful protests and those who lead such illegal activities.
