Rights groups urge Sri Lanka not to use force on protesters
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka — International human rights groups on Saturday urged Sri Lanka’s new president to immediately order security forces to cease use of force against protesters after troops and police cleared their main camp following months of demonstrations over the country’s economic meltdown. “Urgently needed measures to address the economic needs of Sri Lankans demand a government that respects fundamental rights,” Meenakshi Ganguly, South Asia director at Human Rights Watch, said in a statement. “Sri Lanka’s international partners should send the message loud and clear that they can’t support an administration that tramples on the rights of its people.” Also condemning the attack, Amnesty International said “it is shameful that the new government resorted to such violent tactics within hours of coming to power.” “The protesters have a right to demonstrate peacefully. Excessive use of force, intimidation and unlawful arrests seem to be an endlessly repetitive pattern in which the Sri Lankan authorities respond to dissent and peaceful assembly,” said Kyle Ward, the group’s deputy secretary general.
Sri Lanka: Presidential Secretariat Begins Operations After 100 Days of Unrest
Discover Related
MDMK leader Vaiko condemns defence cooperation MoU between India, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s Tamil parties seek India’s continued role in ensuring political solution
Protests all over Tamil Nadu take TVK to the next level
PM Modi to arrive in Sri Lanka on April 4 night
Sri Lanka’s target to be free of land mines by 2028 is under threat as US reviews aid
Sri Lanka’s target to be free of land mines by 2028 is under threat as US reviews aid
Sri Lanka's crackdown on dogs for India PM's visit sparks protest
Mechanised boat fishermen stage demonstration in Thoothukudi
India, Lanka to ink key defencedeal during PM’s visit next week
Intensify diplomatic efforts with Lanka: CM
Sri Lanka says British sanctions on ex-military unhelpful
BJP supporters hold protest against Shivakumar’s statements in Mysuru
Sowjanya Case: Karnataka High Court Permits Peaceful Protest At Freedom Park
Sri Lanka's police chief surrenders after weeks of evading arrest
BJP leaders Annamalai, Tamilisai booked for attempting to protest without permission
Tamil Nadu BJP chief Annamalai, key leaders detained ahead of protest against TASMAC ‘liquor scam’
Tamil Nadu: BJP chief Annamalai, party leaders detained
Pinarayi, Satheesan condemn protest against Tushar Gandhi
Sri Lanka urges India to stop fishermen from trespassing into its waters
Sri Lanka Steps Up Arrest of Indian Fishermen
Rameswaram fishermen decide to start indefinite hunger strike on Feb. 28
Activist Rajalingamurthy's murder pre-planned, four arrested