US ambassador reiterates support for rights of peaceful protests

The Ambassador of the United States to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung has called for restraint on all sides as anti-government protests continue to take place across the island nation.

Taking to her official Twitter handle, Ms Chung reiterated the support of the United States country for the rights of peaceful protests.

The freedom to engage in peaceful protest without fear of arrest is fundamental to democracy, she said further.

Her remarks came after 13 protesters who were engaged in a demonstration near the parliamentary entry road were arrested by the police on Wednesday (May 04). The arrestees were later released on bail after being produced before the court.

The freedom to engage in peaceful protest without fear of arrest is fundamental to democracy. The US urges restraint on all sides and reiterates our support for the rights of peaceful protesters.

— Ambassador Julie Chung (@USAmbSL) May 4, 2022

Meanwhile, the US Embassy in Colombo, issuing a demonstration alert on Wednesday (May 04), advised US government personnel on the island nation to avoid the areas of rallies or demonstrations and to exercise caution if they are in the vicinity of large gatherings or protests.

In its advisory, the embassy stated that the Fort Magistrate’s Court has issued an order for the removal of all structures, vehicles and belongings of protesters near the Temple Trees in Colombo 03.

Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and possibly escalate into violence, it noted.