• I will not allow violence and terrorism, however, will protect non-violence and democracy  
• The struggle was initially conducted on a non-violent basis and in a creative manner  
• Subsequently the nonviolent protest was suppressed and violence emerged, with certain politicized groups becoming stakeholders  
• Certain groups are trying to spread false propaganda through social media that I am hunting down protesters, It is not true,  

By Yohan Perera and Ajith Siriwardana   

The law will be applied equally to those who attacked peaceful protesters on May 9 and those who are engaging in violence and terrorism under the guise of the struggle, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said yesterday.   

In his policy statement in Parliament, he said he would establish an office to protect peaceful protesters and support them. “I will not allow violence and terrorism, However, will protect non-violence and democracy. The peaceful struggle is a fundamental right. I accept those rights,” he said and added that he refuted social media posts that he was hunting down protesters.   

“ The struggle that started all over Colombo expecting systems change was later centralised at Galle face. It also expanded to several major cities in the island. The struggle was conducted on a nonviolent basis and in a creative manner. These activists did not commit any acts of violence. Therefore families joined the struggle. Parents were not afraid to bring children to the places of protest. Protesters once digitally illuminated the walls of the President’s secretariat without any harm. Although, later this nonviolent protest was suppressed and violence emerged, with certain politicized groups becoming stakeholders. By indulging in violence the protests turned towards terrorism. I will not allow violence and terrorism. However I will protect nonviolence and democracy. A peaceful struggle is a fundamental right,” the President added.   

“Certain groups are trying to spread false propaganda through social media that I am hunting down protesters, It is not true, I will not allow any kind of prejudice to peaceful activists. I will establish an office to protect the peaceful protestors and support them. If any injustice is done to a peaceful activist, that person can call the 24 hour dedicated hotline and file a complaint. A committee headed by a retired judge will examine the complaints and take necessary steps accordingly,” he said.   

•  Certain groups are trying to spread false propaganda through social media that I am hunting down protesters, It is not true, I will not allow any kind of prejudice to peaceful activists