The Bar Association of Sri Lanka has urged the President to take all necessary measures to instruct the Defense Secretary, the Commanders of the Tri Forces, and the Inspector General of Police to ensure that tensions in various parts of the country—especially at fuel stations—immediately deescalate in light of the challenges faced by the general public.
While keeping in mind that the police and armed forces are operating in extremely trying conditions, the BASL said in a statement that it is still necessary to issue strict instructions to the police and forces to refrain from using violence when dealing with the public and to act with the utmost restraint.
“We also call on you to ensure that legal measures be used to deal with wayward officers who have violently treated people,” it continued.
According to the BASL, it is inappropriate for service people to be used in the current fashion in situations that the Sri Lanka Police should primarily handle. As was the case last week in Galle, the Armed Forces should not be utilized to obstruct or disrupt peaceful protests.
