General (Retired) Kamal Gunaratne, Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary, has advised the public to desist from damaging public property during peaceful demonstrations. He called on the public to refrain from acts of violence in a televised statement.
“Despite the fact that some rallies and demonstrations are planned with the intention of being peaceful and demonstrating people’s democratic rights, it is noted that two factions are managing these protests,” the Defense Secretary remarked.
He claims that one side is protesting peacefully, while the other is purposefully causing damage to public and private property while inconveniencing the general public on public roadways and in public places.
“The second group is involved in organized acts of violence,” the Defense Secretary explained.
“In other regions, protestors on motorcycles roam from place to place, launching attacks on residents and businesses with petrol bombs and stones,” he said, adding that another group is plundering property.
Furthermore, the defense secretary stated that criminals had broken into protestors’ homes and stolen their belongings.
The Ministry of Defence, the Ministry of Public Security, and the three armed forces, along with the Sri Lanka Police, are keeping an eye on the protests and have no objections to the peaceful demonstrations.
He did say, though, that necessary steps will be taken to avoid acts of violence, and that legal action would be taken against anyone responsible.
He also urged the general people to be wary of individuals who encourage violence.
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