UN concerned by use of force to disperse Aragalaya protesters

UN Resident Coordinator to Sri Lanka Hanaa Singer-Hamdy said she is gravely concerned by the use of force to disperse protestors at Galle Face. Taking to Twitter Singer-Hamdy said journalists and human rights defenders have a right to monitor demonstrations and their functions should not be impeded. She pointed out that actions that stifle protests and the right to peaceful assembly can worsen economic and political instability in Sri Lanka.

Hanaa Singer-Hamdy said peaceful solutions in accordance with broad public consultations is the only way forward. Meanwhile, Norwegian Ambassador Trine Jøranli Eskedal condemning the attacks on peaceful protestors in last night, urged the authorities to show restraint, respect rule of law and fundamental rights.

“People have a right to peaceful assembly and to express themselves freely,” the Ambassador said on Twitter.