Several foreign diplomats have expressed concerns over the deployment of armed forces to clear protesters near the Presidential Secretariat and Galle Face in Colombo early on Friday.
US Ambassador Julie Chung said, “deeply concerned about actions taken against protestors at Galle Face in the middle of the night”.
She further urged for restraint by authorities and immediate access to medical attention for those injured.
The Canadian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, David McKinnon said, “hearing what is happening at the Galle Face protest site. Not sure why this is happening now”.
He further said that it is crucial the authorities act with restraint and avoid violence.
The British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, Sarah Hulton said, “very concerned about reports from the Galle Face protest site”.
She added that the United Kingdom (UK) has made clear the importance of the right to peaceful protest.
The statements come after a huge military contingent, along with the Police, had raided Galle Face in Colombo early on Friday, where anti-government protesters have peacefully agitated for over three months in the wake of the island nation’s grave economic crisis.
According to eyewitnesses, several protesters and journalists were assaulted by soldiers.
Nearly 08 persons have been arrested, while 2 persons are reported to have been injured in the incidents. (NewsWire)