Sri Lankan Army attacked BBC Journalists during last night conflict – BBC
Many foreign media reports have been published regarding the events that took place in Colombo last night. Here is how the BBC World Service (UK) reported it to the world. Sri Lankan security forces have raided the main anti-government protest camp in the capital city of Colombo and started pulling down the tents. Hundreds of army and police commandos marched outside the presidential office hours before the protesters left the area. A BBC video journalist was attacked and assaulted by the army and one of the soldiers took away his phone and deleted the videos. These events happen a few hours after Ranil Wickremesinghe was sworn in as the President. Former Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled the country last week. Mr. Wickramasinghe – the former Prime Minister – is considered to be highly disliked by the public. “I explained to them that we are journalists and doing our duty, but they did not listen. My colleague was further attacked and we protested strongly. Another BBC colleague’s mic was also reported to have been thrown. The phone was returned after the videos were deleted from the device. Another army officer intervened and let us go.” The reporter said “The phone was returned after the videos were deleted from the device. Another army officer intervened and let us go. My colleague was shaken but managed to make it back to the hotel, which was several hundred meters away. The BBC tried to get a response from the military and police about the attack, but no one returned our calls. A state of emergency declared last week is still in effect in Sri Lanka.” They explained (Reporting by George Wright, BBC World Service)
The new cabinet has been sworn in under President Ranil Wickramasinghe
The new cabinet has been sworn in under President Ranil Wickramasinghe. The government states that an interim cabinet was sworn in today. Except for one change in this cabinet, all the others are the ones who worked in the same positions in the previous cabinet. Ali Sabri was sworn in as Minister of Foreign Affairs instead of Mr. G.L Peiris.
Political Crisis in Sri Lanka-The Sri Lanka Bar Association has strongly condemned the forceful and violent attack on Galle Face protesters
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.
Political Crisis in Sri Lanka-Mr Dinesh Gunawardena was sworn in as the new Prime Minister of Sri Lanka
Mr Dinesh Gunawardena was sworn in as the new Prime Minister in front of President Ranil Wickremesinghe. This morning (22) the swearing-in of the Prime Minister took place at the Prime Minister’s Office.
What happened today in Sri Lanka-The Human Rights Commission strongly condemns the attack on peaceful protesters in Galle Face
The Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission says that it strongly condemns the brutal and disgraceful attack by the army on the peaceful protestors around Galle Face this morning (22). Pointing out that this is a complete violation of the fundamental rights of the people, the Human Rights Commission emphasizes that the criminals should be identified and appropriate action should be taken. The Human Rights Commission requests the government to ensure that no action is taken in the government administration to violate the fundamental rights of the people.
Political Crisis in Sri Lanka-A protest movement has started from the peththah area of Colombo to Galle Face
A protest movement has started from the peththah area of Colombo The protesters tried to go towards the Galle entrance from the presidential secretariat, but the road was blocked by the army and the police. The protest is being held by several organizations including the Inter-University Student Union. This protest is being held in protest against the attack on the Colombo Galle face protesters last night. The protesters also claim that President Ranil Wickremesinghe should step down from the position.
Current Situation in Sri Lanka-All of Colombo and its suburbs are currently under tight security with additional forces
All of Colombo and its suburbs are currently under tight security. Security has been strengthened by deploying roadblocks like additional police and army battalions. After a joint operation by the police and the army to the Galle face protest area, those areas have been liberated. Also, the President has called on the armed forces to protect public order through a special gazette announcement.
The Sri Lankan military has taken control of the presidential secretariat in the capital after the “brutal beating” of protesters- Aljazeera
Many foreign media reports have been published regarding the events that took place in Colombo last night. Here is how Aljazeera reported it to the world. The Sri Lankan military has taken control of the presidential secretariat in the capital after the “brutal beating” of protesters. The soldiers also destroyed tents in the adjacent Gotagogama protest site, arrested several protest leaders and surrounded the area with about 100 protesters. The IT Centre, the Disabled Soldiers’ Tent, the Community Kitchen that served hundreds of free meals a day, the SYU Tent, the Hearing Impaired Tent, and the Gate Zero Tent – were destroyed. The military attack came hours after protesters left their camp in front of the Prime Minister’s official residence, the Temple trees. The protesters had already announced that they would leave the Presidential Secretariat on July 22 before. Around midnight we heard that a large group of army troops were heading towards Gotagogama and suddenly we saw them running to the presidential secretariat,” Nipun Charaka Jayasekara, a young protester who was trapped in Gotagogama, told Al Jazeera.. “Soon, they stormed the area and brutally beat up the peaceful protesters, treating us as thugs.” He says. He also said that he was slightly injured while trying to escape from the army attack. -Al Jazeera-
A 2-week entry pass to Gotabaya
Quoting the Singapore immigration authorities, a 14-day short-term entry permit has been granted to former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who came on a personal visit on July 14, foreign media has reported. India’s NDTV channel reported that Mr Rajapakse was issued this short-term entry permit when he entered the country at the airport. According to the NDTV report, although Sri Lankans can usually extend this permit for 30 days, they have to apply for it online.
The American ambassador expresses deep concern about the actions taken against the Galle Face protestors
The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka says that she is deeply concerned about the actions taken against the Galle Face protesters. Ambassador Julie Chung urges the authorities to exercise restraint. And the ambassador adds, that steps should be taken immediately to refer the injured for treatment.