Demonstration held in Sri Lanka on the grounds that ‘government abuses state of emergency laws’
Hundreds of union leaders and religious leaders gathered in the Independence Square in the capital, Colombo, demanded the abolition of the state of emergency laws, which they believed to be abused, as well as the dissolution of parliament and the government not to prevent “peaceful” demonstrations.
On the other hand, it was reported that one of the leading figures of the anti-government protests, Joseph Stalin, who was detained on 4 August, was released on bail.
It was stated that Stalin was detained for participating in the anti-government demonstrations on 28 May, in violation of the court order.
In addition, Stalin was the most senior trade union member detained since President Ranil Wichkremesinghe took office.
Wickremesinghe, who became the President of the Republic on July 20, emphasized that “demonstrators” and “rebels” should be separated from each other and said that strict measures would be implemented against those who commit violent acts.
EVENTS IN SRI LANKA
Sri Lankans increased their protests against the country’s financial situation and fuel shortage at the end of March. A nationwide curfew was declared after the violence, and the government ordered anyone who damaged public property or others during the protests to shoot.
In Sri Lanka, which is in economic crisis, protesters entered the prime minister’s residence on July 9 and set the building on fire.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, with his wife and two bodyguards, went to the Maldives on July 13 and to Singapore the next day.
Rajapaksa had sent his resignation letter via e-mail on 14 July. Subsequently, on 20 July, the Sri Lankan Assembly voted Interim President and Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe as the country’s new head of state.
