Rights group, Human Rights Watch says the government should uphold the right to peaceful protest and promptly investigate and prosecute persons who were involved in violent acts yesterday.
Issuing a statement following yesterday’s incidents in Colombo and across Sri Lanka, HRW said the government should ensure that security force response to public disorder is proportionate.
South Asia Director at Human Rights Watch Meenakshi Ganguly said the attacks on peaceful protesters by government supporters have sparked a dangerous escalation, increasing the risk of further deadly violence and other abuses.
She added, “It is vitally important for the security forces to fully respect the right to peaceful assembly, and for those responsible for violence to be held to account. Pro-government supporters have responded to those calls with violence, which those in authority need to stop.”