Defence Secretary says strict action will be taken against violence during protests

Defence Secretary Gen. (Retd.) Kamal Gunaratne called on the public to refrain from engaging in violence during the public protests, and said while peaceful protests are approved, strict action will be taken against those who engage in acts of violence.

In a special statement, the Defence Secretary said the security forces who are committed to protect the public are constantly monitoring these protests.

He said it has been observed that two groups are active during protests. While one group is conducting peaceful protests and disperse peacefully, the other group is deliberately engaging in violent protests in an organised manner.

The Defence Secretary assured that the security forces will act to maintain peace and requested the public to carry out peaceful protests which is their democratic right, and not to involve in acts of damaging and setting fire to public and private property.

The full statement is as follows.

Venerable Maha Sangha, religious dignitaries, parents, friends, children, and all citizens of Sri Lanka.

First of all, I request all of you to refrain from all forms of violence. Due to the turbulent situation in the country, the masses have rallied and are holding series of organised protests in various parts of the country. Although these protests are being organised under the theme “Peaceful Campaign” seeming to represent the democratic rights of the people, it is observed that two groups are active in this regard.

One group is conducting peaceful protests and they disperse peacefully, while the other group is deliberately engaging in violent protests in an organised manner causing damage to public and private properties and disrupting the day-to-day life of the people on main roads and in public places.

In a backdrop where the State of Emergency is in place, it can be accepted that peaceful protests are conducted to protect the democratic rights of the people. However, acting under the guise of peaceful protests and placing the security forces that are committed to maintaining peace in an awkward position, while damaging private property, demonstrates that this campaign has now gone beyond the framework of democracy due to its violent nature.

In some areas, protesters were seen riding motorbikes and hurling stones and petrol bombs at homes and shops. Meanwhile, several other groups have also engaged in organised burglary yesterday (4 April). I would like to note that there are instances where the houses of protesters who are away from their homes to participate at protests have also been broken into by thieves.

The Ministry of Defence, Ministry of Public Security, tri-forces, and the Sri Lanka Police, who are at all times committed in protecting the public are constantly monitoring these protests. Although peaceful protests taking place democratically may be accepted, I would like to inform that we will act to ensure that no acts of violence take place. I further emphasise that the security forces will act to maintain peace and also will not hesitate to enforce law against those involving in violence.

Finally, as the Secretary of Defence, I request the people of this country to carry out peaceful protests if deemed necessary, which is their democratic right, and not to involve in acts of damaging and setting fire to public and private property. I also urge them, not to be deceived by those who incite violence for various motives.