International human rights organizations are concerned about the military action against popular protesters in Sri Lanka. The organizations called on President Renil Wickremesinghe to order the security forces to end the use of force against the protesters. Human Rights Watch said the move sent a dangerous message to the people of Sri Lanka that the new government intends to act with brutal force, overriding the law. Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director of Human Rights Watch, said in a statement that addressing the needs of Sri Lanka requires a government that respects the fundamental rights of the people.
Condemning the attack, Amnesty International said it was “shameful” that the new government would resort to such violent tactics within hours of coming to power. The United Nations also condemned the attack. US diplomatic representatives met Renil Wickramasinghe in person and expressed concern over the incident. US Ambassador Julie Chung said the president and cabinet have an obligation to respond to the needs of the people.
Soon after Renil Wickremesinghe took office as the President, the army attacked the protest camps in front of the Secretariat. More than 50 people, including two journalists and two lawyers, were injured in the attack. Security forces arrested 11 people, including protesters and lawyers.
English Summary:Military action against protesters; Condemned by international human rights organizations
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