Police curfew orders in parts of WP lifted

Police curfew imposed in parts of the Western Province last night (July 08) will be lifted at 8.00 a.m. today (July 09), Sri Lanka Police says.

Ahead of the mass protests planned for today, the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) announced last night that Negombo, Kelaniya, Nugegoda, Mount Lavinia, Colombo North, Colombo South and Colombo Central police areas will be under police curfew orders from 9.00 p.m. yesterday until further notice.

He also urged the residents of these areas to remain indoors while the curfew is effective and stressed law will be enforced strictly against those who violate the order.

However, the move came under fire from various parties including the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) and the Opposition. Calling the imposition of police curfew illegal, they pointed out that it is also a violation of the fundamental rights of the people of the country who are protesting against the incumbent President and the government.

In a statement, the BASL questioned the police chief as to under what authority he declared the curfew order.

Noting that the declaration of curfew is clearly intended to stifle the freedom of expression and dissent, the association said the move is “totally unacceptable and undemocratic”.