Inspector General of Police (IGP) C.D. Wickramaratne urged the people to exercise their right to protest within the legal framework, following a failed attempt to obtain a court order barring the holding of anti-government protests.
The IGP noted that the Police respect the right of the people to hold peaceful protests and assemblies, however, the Police do not tolerate those who behave violently by damaging public property. As well as protecting the right to assembly and the freedom of expression, the Police also have the responsibility to protect the normal life of the people, he added.
Wickramaratne made this observation in response to the upcoming anti-government protests organised by Sri Lankan protesters.
Earlier, the Court denied the Police’s request to obtain an order against the protests due on July 08 and 09 in the vicinity of the President’s House.
MIAP
