Anti-US demos in Colombo

Friday, 22 March 2013 01:30 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Hours before the vote on the US-backed resolution was taken at the UNHRC in Geneva, demonstrators blocked the road to the US Embassy in Colombo, insisting that Washington stays out of Sri Lanka’s domestic affairs.

The crowds of demonstrators led by by the Federation of Trade Unions held placards vilifying US President Barack Obama and Indian Premier Manmohan Singh and claimed Sri Lanka would not allow interference in its affairs.

The protests caused major traffic congestion along the Galle Road last morning.

The lack of demonstrations against the US and other co-sponsors of the resolution against Sri Lanka at the UNHRC was a feature of this year’s session, after the Government mobilised massive protests against the foreign missions in Colombo in 2012.

Last year, the protests were barricaded at the Colpetty Junction by Police personnel. However protesters were permitted to march all the way up to the US Embassy gates during yesterday’s demonstrations.