The Sri Lanka Bar Association has strongly condemned the forceful and violent attack by the authorities on the protestors who were in Galle Face near the Presidential Secretariat last night (21).

The Bar Association in a statement says that the Bar Association of Sri Lanka has been informed that at least two lawyers who tried to intervene at their professional level have been assaulted by military personnel.

The announcement issued by the Bar Association states that the Bar Association has received information that at least one lawyer and several journalists have been arrested by the  Army.

The Sri Lanka Bar Association requested President Ranil Wickremesinghe and his government to ensure that the rule of law and the fundamental rights of the people are respected.

 It also states that the use of armed forces to quell civil protests on the first day of the new president’s inauguration will have serious consequences for the social, economic and political stability of the country.

The Sri Lanka Bar Association calls for an immediate investigation into these incidents and disciplinary action against all those involved.

 Furthermore, the Sri Lanka Bar Association is of the opinion that all those involved, including those who ordered these actions, should take responsibility.