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International community raises concerns over Galle Face raid

22 Jul, 2022

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The international community has raised concerns over the raid carried out at the Galle Face protest site.

The military launched a pre-dawn raid on the Galle Face protest site today, just minutes after the protesters announced that they will be withdrawing from the Presidential Secretariat.

“Very concerned about reports from the Galle Face protest site. We have made clear the importance of the right to peaceful protest,” the British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Sarah Hulton said.

“Hearing what is happening at the Galle Face protest site. Not sure why this is happening now. It is crucial the authorities act with restraint and avoid violence,” Canadian High Commissioner David McKinnon said.

“Deeply concerned about actions taken against protestors at Galle Face in the middle of the night. We urge restraint by authorities & immediate access to medical attention for those injured,” US Ambassador Julie Chung said.

The military launched a pre-dawn raid on the Galle Face protest site today, just minutes after the protesters announced that they will be withdrawing from the Presidential Secretariat.

Hundreds of troops surrounded Galle Face at approximately 1am (Friday) and stormed the Presidential Secretariat and removed the protesters.

The Police and military also destroyed tents and other structures erected around the Presidential Secretariat.

Roads leading to Galle Face were closed by the military during the operation preventing anyone from entering or leaving the premises.

A number of protesters were assaulted and arrested inside Galle Face and near the barricades placed around the area. (Colombo Gazette)

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