Direction Sri Lanka held a press conference condemning the violence against peaceful protestors that has left over 200 people injured and 2 dead. They also called for accountability and peace while requesting the President to resolve the political instability in the country (Pic by Pix by Nimasiri Edirisinghe)

Condemning the violence that had taken place on Monday (9) against peaceful protesters, and reiterating their calls for the President to resign, Direction Sri Lanka- Independent professionals for the nation- held a press conference yesterday (May 10). “We are outraged to see acts of violence perpetrated against innocent non-violent protesters which have given rise to many incidents across the country,” stated Rajeev Amarasuriya, a member of Direction Sri Lanka. He emphasised that the peaceful nature of the protests should not be allowed to turn violent.  
“The strength of the struggle was peace.”  

Dr Ananda Wijewickrama, a member of Direction Sri Lanka, reflected that the strength of the struggle was in its peaceful nature. “Because of the peaceful nature of the struggle we were able to see positive outcomes and the authorities could not easily stifle the protests. To realise our demands for a new Sri Lanka the peaceful nature of the struggle should be continued. Do not let any violent elements ruin the struggle; then we won’t be able to see positive outcomes of our demands,” cautioned Dr Wijewickrama.  

Prof. Indika Karunathilake pointed out that due to the violence over 200 people have been hospitalised with injuries. “On behalf of the medical professionals in the country and during this moment, where there is a medical crisis, I urge everyone to support the medical professionals and allow them to discharge their duties effectively without hindering them,” said Prof. Karunathilake.  

Geoffrey Alagaratnam PC shared that the violence could create more chaos and ruin the economy further, but he also noted that there were allegations against the authorities for being inefficient and not discharging their duties towards containing the incident.   

Calls for police, triforces and public servants to act within the law
“There were allegations that the police were inefficient and complicit with what had happened. There were allegations that the Army did not do what should have been done. The forces and the police should remember that they do not hold these positions for themselves and that they are here to serve the people,” stated Alagaratnam.   
Sharing similar thoughts, Amarasuriya added that they are calling upon the police, triforces and public servants to act in keeping with the law and to be careful to only follow lawful orders. “Disregard and reject unlawful orders. They should act with restraint and completely within the law,” said Amarasuriya.   

Prof. Prasad Katulanda, a member of Direction Sri Lanka, called upon the authorities to conduct an impartial investigation into the incident and hold individuals responsible accountable. He also noted that if the violence was allowed to continue with inaction by the authorities, certain domestic and international elements could take advantage of the situation and worsen the present crisis.   

Alagaratnam shared that since the incident sparked off at Temple Trees- the official residence of the Prime Minister- the former Prime Minister had to take full responsibility for what had transpired. Chanaka De Silva PC stated that the professionals strongly condemned the individuals that had supported and planned the attacks.   
President has a responsibility to resolve the political instability

Due to Mahinda Rajapaksa resigning as the Prime Minister the country currently has no Prime Minister or a cabinet. “It is extremely important that we have a government that has the confidence of the people of Sri Lanka to resolve the current crisis. It is an urgent need for the country and the incumbent duty of the President to immediately bring about political stability and form a caretaker government with an acting Prime Minister,” shared Amarasuriya.   

De Silva PC noted that since the people had lost their trust in the President, the President has to resign immediately after appointing a Prime Minister and forming a caretaker government. “People have called for the resignation of the President and there is much doubt in his ability to lead the country. If he heads the caretaker government it won’t be a government that people have confidence in. So if we are to solve the crisis in the country it is crucial to have a government that people have confidence in,” he emphasised adding that appointing a Prime Minister and a caretaker government was the need of the hour and after that, action had to be taken to abolish the executive presidency and the 20th Amendment.   

Prof. Katulanda also called upon the opposition and the independent MPs to work collectively to bring about political stability. “The public took to the roads wanting political change and some change has come about. But, there is more to be done and the parliamentarians, especially the opposition MPs and independent MPs should listen to the people and work towards realising the people’s demands,” said Prof. Katulanda.