The Ministry of Defence has ordered the tri-forces to open fire at looters over ant property damage.
Protesters assault SDIG Deshabandu Tennakoon
Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police in Charge of the Western Province Deshabandu Tennakoon and his assistant officer of Police were assaulted by protesters in Navam Road, Colombo this (10) afternoon.
The SDIG who sustained minor injuries from the attack has shot into the sky and fled in his getaway.
Sri Lanka: Government Backers Attack Peaceful Protesters Emergency Powers Should Not Enable Human Rights Violations
(New York, May 10, 2022) – Clashes broke out in Sri Lanka on May 9, 2022 after government supporters attacked peaceful anti-government protest sites in Colombo, the capital, and elsewhere, Human Rights Watch said today. The government should uphold the right to peaceful protest, ensure that the security force response to public disorder is proportionate and rejects excessive force, and promptly investigate and appropriately prosecute acts of violence.
Several hundred people identifying themselves as supporters of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived by bus in Colombo on May 9 and advanced to the Galle Face Green, where protesters calling for the resignation of the government have been peacefully camped for several weeks. Witness accounts and video footage show government supporters attacking the protesters with clubs and other weapons and setting fire to tents. Hours later, Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned as prime minister.
“The attack on peaceful protesters by Sri Lankan government supporters has sparked a dangerous escalation, increasing the risk of further deadly violence and other abuses,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “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.”
Kasumi Ranasinghe Arachchige, a protester who was at Galle Face Green when the attack occurred, said that police forces at the scene, which included a water cannon truck, “retreated” when government supporters attacked protesters with knives and sticks. “They [government supporters] started destroying everything,” she said, describing damage to tents and other facilities, including temporary showers and a small library. “It seemed as if they knew what and who to look for.”
Over 150 people have been reported injured and at least five dead in different incidents, including the attack on Galle Face Green, and the government has imposed a nationwide curfew. The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka and the Bar Association, as well as foreign diplomats, condemned the attack on protesters and called for an impartial investigation.
In recent months, Sri Lanka’s economic crisis has provoked widespread protests calling for political reform and for the resignation of the president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and his brother Mahinda, the prime minister. On April 1, President Rajapaksa imposed a state of emergency, lifting it five days later. The government reimposed a state of emergency on May 6 after police fired teargas and arrested students protesting near parliament, which was adjourned until May 17. Although the protests have been overwhelmingly peaceful, the police fatally shot a protester on April 19, and on several occasions have used teargas and water cannon against protesters. The authorities have made numerous arrests and repeatedly imposed curfews.
Following the attack on the protesters’ camp at the Galle Face Green, there were numerous violent incidents in Colombo and elsewhere in the country, including clashes between government supporters and anti-government protesters, and attacks on the property of ruling party politicians. In Nittambuwa, 50 kilometers from Colombo, police said that Amarakeerthi Athukorala, a government member of parliament, opened fire on protesters blocking his car, wounding one and killing another, then fatally shot himself.
Concerned governments and international institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, which are offering assistance to address the country’s economic crisis, should insist that the government respect fundamental freedoms, Human Rights Watch said.
The latest state of emergency was imposed on May 6, but the government did not immediately publish the emergency regulations laying out the special powers assumed. Under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Sri Lanka is a party, certain rights may be derogated, or restricted, under a state of emergency, while other rights, including the right to life and prohibition of torture, may not under any circumstances be limited. Any derogations must be limited and proportionate. Foreign governments, including the United States and Canada, as well as the European Union, have questioned President Rajapaksa’s decision to assume emergency powers.
Sri Lanka has a poor record under successive administrations of investigating and prosecuting countless grave violations of human rights. During a previous government between 2005 and 2010, Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa, as well as other senior figures in the current administration, were implicated in the killing and enforced disappearance of journalists and political activists, and in numerous war crimes during the civil war that ended in May 2009.
“In recent weeks, thousands of Sri Lankans have peacefully protested against corruption and called for accountable governance and respect for human rights,” Ganguly said. “Pro-government supporters have responded to those calls with violence, which those in authority need to stop.”
Malwana Mansion set on fire!
The controversial mansion in Malwana presumed to be a property of Basil Rajapaksa has been attacked and set on fire, following the public rage instigated upon the brutal assault launched on peaceful protests in Colombo by a group of pro-government protesters 24 hours ago.
The mansion has been surrounded by a large crowd, reports add.
People surround Trinco Navy Camp
A large crowd has reportedly gathered near the Navy Camp in Trincomalee, upon learning the rumour that former Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his family members were hiding there.
As the people are staging a protest outside leading to an unrest, Police have been called in.
The Police are trying to disperse the protesters, reports add.
AG’s Office instructs Police to conduct investigations into May 09 assault
The Attorney General’s Department has instructed the Police to conduct investigations into the incidents that took place on May 09.
The peaceful assemblies of protest in Colombo were interfered by a large group of people in breach of the Constitution and the penal laws, the Office said.
The unlawful interference was seen to have been carried out in the form of physical assault of serious nature causing bodily injury to those who engaged in the exercise of their constitutional rights, it added, thereby urging the Police to conduct investigations into the said events.
Sri Lanka: Government Backers Attack Peaceful Protesters
Emergency Powers Should Not Enable Human Rights Violations
(New York, May 10, 2022) – Clashes broke out in Sri Lanka on May 9, 2022 after government supporters attacked peaceful anti-government protest sites in Colombo, the capital, and elsewhere, Human Rights Watch said today. The government should uphold the right to peaceful protest, ensure that the security force response to public disorder is proportionate and rejects excessive force, and promptly investigate and appropriately prosecute acts of violence.
Several hundred people identifying themselves as supporters of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa arrived by bus in Colombo on May 9 and advanced to the Galle Face Green, where protesters calling for the resignation of the government have been peacefully camped for several weeks. Witness accounts and video footage show government supporters attacking the protesters with clubs and other weapons and setting fire to tents. Hours later, Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned as prime minister.
“The attack on peaceful protesters by Sri Lankan government supporters has sparked a dangerous escalation, increasing the risk of further deadly violence and other abuses,” said Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “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.”
Kasumi Ranasinghe Arachchige, a protester who was at Galle Face Green when the attack occurred, said that police forces at the scene, which included a water cannon truck, “retreated” when government supporters attacked protesters with knives and sticks. “They [government supporters] started destroying everything,” she said, describing damage to tents and other facilities, including temporary showers and a small library. “It seemed as if they knew what and who to look for.”
Over 150 people have been reported injured and at least five dead in different incidents, including the attack on Galle Face Green, and the government has imposed a nationwide curfew. The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka and the Bar Association, as well as foreign diplomats, condemned the attack on protesters and called for an impartial investigation.
In recent months, Sri Lanka’s economic crisis has provoked widespread protests calling for political reform and for the resignation of the president, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, and his brother Mahinda, the prime minister. On April 1, President Rajapaksa imposed a state of emergency, lifting it five days later. The government reimposed a state of emergency on May 6 after police fired teargas and arrested students protesting near parliament, which was adjourned until May 17. Although the protests have been overwhelmingly peaceful, the police fatally shot a protester on April 19, and on several occasions have used teargas and water cannon against protesters. The authorities have made numerous arrests and repeatedly imposed curfews.
Following the attack on the protesters’ camp at the Galle Face Green, there were numerous violent incidents in Colombo and elsewhere in the country, including clashes between government supporters and anti-government protesters, and attacks on the property of ruling party politicians. In Nittambuwa, 50 kilometers from Colombo, police said that Amarakeerthi Athukorala, a government member of parliament, opened fire on protesters blocking his car, wounding one and killing another, then fatally shot himself.
Concerned governments and international institutions, including the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank, which are offering assistance to address the country’s economic crisis, should insist that the government respect fundamental freedoms, Human Rights Watch said.
The latest state of emergency was imposed on May 6, but the government did not immediately publish the emergency regulations laying out the special powers assumed. Under the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Sri Lanka is a party, certain rights may be derogated, or restricted, under a state of emergency, while other rights, including the right to life and prohibition of torture, may not under any circumstances be limited. Any derogations must be limited and proportionate. Foreign governments, including the United States and Canada, as well as the European Union, have questioned President Rajapaksa’s decision to assume emergency powers.
Sri Lanka has a poor record under successive administrations of investigating and prosecuting countless grave violations of human rights. During a previous government between 2005 and 2010, Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Mahinda Rajapaksa, as well as other senior figures in the current administration, were implicated in the killing and enforced disappearance of journalists and political activists, and in numerous war crimes during the civil war that ended in May 2009.
“In recent weeks, thousands of Sri Lankans have peacefully protested against corruption and called for accountable governance and respect for human rights,” Ganguly said. “Pro-government supporters have responded to those calls with violence, which those in authority need to stop.”
For more Human Rights Watch reporting on Sri Lanka, please visit:
https://www.hrw.org/asia/sri-lanka
FUTA Statement on the events on 9th May 2022
We, the Federation of University Teachers’ Association of Sri Lanka, unequivocally condemn the attack on peaceful protestors at the Galle Face Green and near the Temple Trees on the 9th of May 2022. We are of the view that the now resigned Prime Minister Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa and his office was complicit in this violence. The individuals and groups who attacked the peaceful protestors were hosted at the Temple Trees, official residence of the Prime Minister, just before they proceeded towards Galle Face, with the intention to confront those at Galle Face Green.
Although he has now rendered his resignation, we demand that Mr. Mahinda Rajapaksa should explain to the People, whom he was duty bound to serve and protect, why this group of people were invited and hosted by him today at Temple Trees. This reception stands in stark contrast to the outright hostility shown towards peaceful protestors outside Temple Trees who have been demanding his resignation. You owe it to the People to name the individuals who organized the meeting at Temple Trees, who approved the use of the hall for this purpose and facilitated the meeting. Social and mass media reports identify some cabinet ministers, parliamentarians and members of the local government institutions being present at this meeting and in the mob that later attacked the protestors.
The FUTA call upon the President and the Inspector General of Police also to resign immediately in recognition of their failure to prevent this violence.
The FUTA demands that immediate legal action must be taken against those who have instigated violence, irrespective of their social or political status. We also call upon the authorities to conduct an impartial investigation to look into the behaviour of the Police and the armed forces during the incident.
We thank the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka and the Sri Lanka Bar Association for acting independently and fulfilling its mandate by condemning the actions of our public officials. We call upon the Police, the Armed Forces, the Judiciary and all other public servants to fulfill their duty and act impartially and resist any force that may be placed on any of them to give into undue political pressure.
Sri Lanka is once again at a breaking point. We, Sri Lankans, are once again suffering material and emotional hardship due to the deliberate acts of mal-governance of our elected representatives. We note that this is a catastrophic event in a long series of events that we have experienced in this island nation. Over the last several weeks, people from all walks of life have come together to ask for accountability, for constitutional government and for a system change. In response, this Government has declared a state of emergency, made a mockery of parliamentary process and has sought to, for all intents and purposes, continue with their business as usual. Today, public institutions and their processes are being held hostage to the will of a few in Government.
We condemn this state capture and demand that the President heed the call of the people, desist from further destroying the democratic fabric of Sri Lanka. We condemn all and any attempt by the Government to absolve itself from responsibility in this regard.
Furthermore, the FUTA urges the general public to act responsibly and sensibly, refraining from all sorts of violence that could destroy lives, public and private properties etc. as such acts of violence could undermine the peoples’ struggle.
Rohan Laksiri
General Secretary
Federation of University Teachers’ Associations (FUTA).
CSE closed for the today
It has been decided to shut down the activities at Colombo Stock Exchange today.
Colombo Stock Exchange Chief Regulatory Officer Renuka Wijewardena said in a statement that the stock market had to close due to operational difficulties.
CA Sri Lanka submits comprehensive proposals to revive SL economy
In its standing as the National Body of Accountants, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Sri Lanka (CA Sri Lanka) on Thursday submitted a comprehensive set of proposals to the Ministry of Finance focusing on reviving the country’s economy from the ongoing crisis.
A high-level delegation from CA Sri Lanka led by the Institute’s President Mr. Sanjaya Bandara met the Secretary to the Treasury Mr. K.M.M. Siriwardana where the wide-ranging recommendations developed by CA Sri Lanka were handed over.
CA Sri Lanka’s Vice President Mr. Heshana Kuruppu, Chief Executive Officer Ms. Dulani Fernando and Chairman of the Task Force to Submit Proposals to the Government – 2022 Mr. Lakshman Athukorala were also present at the meeting.
The recommendations span short-term, medium-term, and long-term solutions compiled following extensive engagements with Chartered Accountants, as well as overseas chapters of CA Sri Lanka.
The recommendations comprised four sets of proposals on how to improve the balance of payment and increase foreign reserves, how to improve the Government’s fiscal situation (increase Government revenue and decrease Government expenditure), as well as proposals in relation to reforms and several other recommendations.
During an existence spanning over 63 years, CA Sri Lanka, in its capacity as a Parliament approved body and as the sole authority in the country to promulgate accounting and auditing standards, has played a catalyst role in helping enhance the country’s financial landscape in line with international accounting and auditing framework.
Mr. Bandara highlighted that as a responsible professional body, CA Sri Lanka took it upon its duty to develop these comprehensive proposals as part of an important national endeavour to advise on what steps the Ministry of Finance must take to come out of this ongoing economic crisis.
“We believe these wide-ranging recommendations presented by CA Sri Lanka will help lay a firm foundation to revive the economy, apart from further mitigating the negative effects of the ongoing crisis,” he said.
Mr. Bandara stressed that, as the National Body of Accountants, CA Sri Lanka is always committed to the best interest of the nation and will provide the required expertise and knowledge to provide a long-lasting solution to the ongoing economic crisis.