• Should prevail without any infringement from the government
• They urge all parties, including the public, to act in a peaceful and lawful  manner and ensure that activities are  governed by the Rule of Law

The Sri Lanka Press Institute (SLPI), its constituent members and affiliated organisations, emphasise the need for Democratic Rights and Rule of Law to prevail without any infringement from the government during the present time of unrest, a statement from it said.  

Essentially, the right to free speech and expression, safety of journalists in the line of duty and every other democratic right of good governance should be secured and upheld. It is important that the constitutionally guaranteed fundamental rights of citizens, freedom of speech and expression including publication, freedom of assembly and association are upheld even during these unique times. The Press Institute emphasises that these values be met in order to ensure social stability and urges all parties, including the public, to act in a peaceful and lawful manner at this crucial juncture and to ensure that all activities are governed by the Rule of Law.