• The protesters were holding banners and placards with slogans critical of the President and the Govt.
• The suppression of the people’s right to protest and dissent is not the answer to the present situation in the country

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda

In a letter to the Army Commander and Inspector General of Police, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) has condemned the removal of a group of protesters from the ramparts of the Galle Fort on Wednesday (29). These protesters were holding banners and placards with slogans critical of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and the Government.  

They had been removed from the ramparts of the Galle Fort by the Police and Army.

The BASL stated that the particular area of the ramparts of the Galle Fort are public areas and hence that there is no lawful reason to disperse protesters.

In its letter, the BASL has reminded both the Army Commander and the IGP of the importance of allowing people to exercise their freedom of speech and expression, including their right to dissent.

• The BASL stated that the particular area of the ramparts of the Galle Fort are public areas and hence that there is no lawful reason to disperse protesters