• Sri Lanka not so long ago also experienced similar attempts by groups to overthrow democratic structures through unconstitutional means

Responding to violence in Brasilia, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said he is deeply concerned about the recent violence that erupted in Brasilia.   

“Sri Lanka not so long ago also experienced similar attempts by groups to overthrow democratic structures through unconstitutional means. Such hostilities are condemned, and we stand in solidarity with the President, Government and people of Brazil in this hour of confrontation. It is imperative that democracy and its institutions are universally respected by all citizens,” he said.   

Supporters of former Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro stormed major government buildings on Sunday.   

Brazil’s new President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said he would punish the hundreds of protesters who swarmed the congressional building, the Supreme Court and the Planalto Presidential Palace in the capital Brasilia over the weekend.  

• Supporters of former Brazilian leader Jair Bolsonaro stormed major government buildings on Sunday