A number of foreign delegates yesterday condemned the acts of violence against peaceful protestors.
“My thoughts are with all those who were injured by the violence. The United Nations condemns all violence and calls on the government to protect peaceful protestors and hold accountable those perpetrating or instigating violence,” tweeted United Nations Resident Coordinator Hanaa Singer-Hamdy.
“Strongly condemn the violence against peaceful protestors. The authorities have a responsibility to safeguard citizens’ rights to protest peacefully and to hold the perpetrators of violence to account,” British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Sarah Hulton said on Twitter.
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung tweeted, “We condemn the violence against peaceful protestors today, and call on the Government to conduct a full investigation, including the arrest and prosecution of anyone who incited violence. Our sympathies are with those injured and we urge calm and restraint across the island”.
German Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Holger Seubert tweeted, “Current developments hurt my heart. What used to be an example of a well-functioning democracy – people peacefully exercising their right to free speech – has turned into tense confrontation. I call on all sides for calm and restraint. Violence is no solution, to neither side!”.
Norwegian Ambassador to Sri Lanka and the Maldives Trine Jøranli Eskedal Tweeted, “I am extremely distressed to see the events unfolded in Sri Lanka. We condemn the violent attacks on peaceful protesters. This is a violation of people’s right to exercise their democratic rights. I urge the Government to show restraint and ensure the safety of everyone”.