The Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) issuing a statement regarding the escalation of the situation in the vicinity of Parliament stated that those engaged in lawful exercise of their right to protest cannot be arrested.

 

The BASL requested the government, the Inspector General of Police and all police officers and the armed forces to act with utmost restraint. 

 

"We have also reports of persons attending the protest being subject to arrest and detention in the vicinity. It should be noted that those engaged in lawful exercise of their right to protest cannot be arrested. We re-iterate once more that the right of the public to protest in a peaceful manner must be respected and upheld. We also stress that such protests must be peaceful at all times," the statement said.

 

The statement had been issued under the signatures of BASL President Saliya Pieris PC and its Secretary Isuru Balapatabendi. (Lakmal Sooriyagoda)