• Says clear and up-to-date training on psychological and ethical aspects is a must to avoid irreversible damage to themselves and society
• Calls on the President to take action against Police personnel involved in Sunday’s incident that led to manhandling of crowds
• Advises parents to avoid bringing children to protests due to the current situation and brutal behaviour of the Police

The Medical Professionals of Sri Lanka for System Change has recommended all Police personnel be provided clear and up-to-date training regarding psychological and ethical aspects of behaviour following the incidents that took place at a peaceful protest held on Sunday at the Galle Face Green. The Police have been accused of manhandling crowds including young children at a protest held to commemorate those who died during the ‘Aragalaya’. The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka has also launched an inquiry into the incident.  

The organisation in a press release said the training is necessary as it would educate Police personnel as their behaviour can at times cause irreversible consequences to themselves and society. They also called on the President and the Government to conduct an immediate and impartial investigation and take action against the police personnel who behaved in this unlawful and unacceptable manner as well as against those who issued the orders that enabled them to act with impunity. 

“While acknowledging that all citizens, including children, have a constitutional right to peaceful assembly, we advise parents to reconsider taking children to Galle Face Green or any other places where crowds gather, as this unlawful, uncivilised and irresponsible behaviour of some police officers can continue and the children may be at risk of physical and long-lasting psychological trauma.” the organisation said in a release. 

“The medical professionals for system change are deeply concerned about the escalating state-instigated violence, directed at peaceful dissenters and call upon the government to immediately ensure that basic human rights enshrined in the constitution are protected,” it added. 

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