Protests against the Government and President Gotabaya Rajapaska, being staged in the Galle Face area, completed their ninth day yesterday (17), and the protesters have vowed to continue the protests indefinitely till their demands are met.
Except for a few isolated incidents, such as the tense situation that broke out near the President’s private residence in the Mirihana area, these protests, especially the one in the Galle Face area, have been extremely peaceful. As a matter of fact, the protests at the Galle Face area, now called “Gota-Go-Gama”, are viewed as a display of unity, creativity, and strength, and perhaps that could be one of the reasons it keeps receiving the support of a cross-section of people, including celebrities such as artists, sportsmen, politicians, businessmen, and social media influencers.
However, speculation is rife that there is a serious threat to these protests, and that the Government is plotting to sabotage them, especially the one being staged in the Galle Face area, with the support of the defence forces.
This is a question many have. Even though the Government may reject the possibility of such, when looking at how protesters have been treated by the defence forces and the Police, and how various unidentified groups have attempted to disrupt peaceful protests in the past few weeks, such suspicions are justifiable.
Despite the Government’s conspiracy theories about extremist groups leading protests and uncompromising and overly defensive responses, the people witnessed how peaceful protesters – and even people who did not participate in protests – were brutally assaulted by the defense forces and the Police during the Mirihana protests, and in this context, we cannot rule out the pressing need to be vigilant and proactive.
Several parties have shown great interest in publicising these alleged threats.
Last week (15), Duminda Nagamuwa of the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) claimed during a meeting that a number of defense forces personnel were being trained or getting ready to infiltrate into the protest that is being staged in the Galle Face area, and that the motive behind those activities was to disrupt the protest.
This was alleged in a context where a popular website, which is currently banned in Sri Lanka, had claimed that over 200 military personnel were being, or had been, trained to join the peaceful Galle Face protest and turn violent, and thereby give the defense forces, the Police, and the Government a reason to use force against protesters. The website had claimed that such incidents are most likely to occur in the coming few days.
In addition, several parties claimed that certain persons who supported pro-President campaigns, or “We Want Gota” protests, could be seen near the Galle Face area frequently, and that one of them was operating a street food outlet the Galle Face, which some on social media platforms had said could be a red flag.
Another reason that intensified these concerns was the fact that a number of Police trucks had been parked near in the Galle Face Green area for a few hours on Saturday (16), which was a new, uncomfortable, and concerning sight to many. However, later that day, the trucks were reported to have been removed.
Then yesterday, a second “Gota-Go-Gama” that was being established in Galle was dismantled by the Police, who conducted the removal of some structures set up by protesters. However, by later in the evening the tents were set up again, through legal intervention.
When we look at how certain protests were dealt with and were interpreted in the recent past, especially under governments led by the Rajapaksa family, the people’s fears are justifiable. However, engaging in peaceful protests and expressing opinions peacefully are rights guaranteed by the country’s Constitution, and the same have been upheld by the Apex Court many times. Therefore, any attempt to disrupt peaceful protests is not only anti-Constitutional, but is also illegal and undemocratic.
At a time when the people have started fighting for their futures, the Government should act more responsibly and prudently, and how it uses its resources to manage protesters should also be as peaceful as possible. In fact, since the first day of the protests in the Galle Face area, the Police and the defense forces and the protesters have done their part extremely peacefully, while extending a friendly gesture to each other.
The protests were launched for a noble reason, and they are largely people-led campaigns, although politicians and other figures who have biases too have been a part of it. The Government and the authorities, especially the law enforcement authorities, have a responsibility to do what is right for the country. We should not forget that the ongoing struggle is not just to protect the future of protesters, and that everyone's future is at stake.Hands off the peaceful protests
17 Apr 2022
Hands off the peaceful protests
17 Apr 2022
Protests against the Government and President Gotabaya Rajapaska, being staged in the Galle Face area, completed their ninth day yesterday (17), and the protesters have vowed to continue the protests indefinitely till their demands are met.
Except for a few isolated incidents, such as the tense situation that broke out near the President’s private residence in the Mirihana area, these protests, especially the one in the Galle Face area, have been extremely peaceful. As a matter of fact, the protests at the Galle Face area, now called “Gota-Go-Gama”, are viewed as a display of unity, creativity, and strength, and perhaps that could be one of the reasons it keeps receiving the support of a cross-section of people, including celebrities such as artists, sportsmen, politicians, businessmen, and social media influencers.
However, speculation is rife that there is a serious threat to these protests, and that the Government is plotting to sabotage them, especially the one being staged in the Galle Face area, with the support of the defence forces.
This is a question many have. Even though the Government may reject the possibility of such, when looking at how protesters have been treated by the defence forces and the Police, and how various unidentified groups have attempted to disrupt peaceful protests in the past few weeks, such suspicions are justifiable.
Despite the Government’s conspiracy theories about extremist groups leading protests and uncompromising and overly defensive responses, the people witnessed how peaceful protesters – and even people who did not participate in protests – were brutally assaulted by the defense forces and the Police during the Mirihana protests, and in this context, we cannot rule out the pressing need to be vigilant and proactive.
Several parties have shown great interest in publicising these alleged threats.
Last week (15), Duminda Nagamuwa of the Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) claimed during a meeting that a number of defense forces personnel were being trained or getting ready to infiltrate into the protest that is being staged in the Galle Face area, and that the motive behind those activities was to disrupt the protest.
This was alleged in a context where a popular website, which is currently banned in Sri Lanka, had claimed that over 200 military personnel were being, or had been, trained to join the peaceful Galle Face protest and turn violent, and thereby give the defense forces, the Police, and the Government a reason to use force against protesters. The website had claimed that such incidents are most likely to occur in the coming few days.
In addition, several parties claimed that certain persons who supported pro-President campaigns, or “We Want Gota” protests, could be seen near the Galle Face area frequently, and that one of them was operating a street food outlet the Galle Face, which some on social media platforms had said could be a red flag.
Another reason that intensified these concerns was the fact that a number of Police trucks had been parked near in the Galle Face Green area for a few hours on Saturday (16), which was a new, uncomfortable, and concerning sight to many. However, later that day, the trucks were reported to have been removed.
Then yesterday, a second “Gota-Go-Gama” that was being established in Galle was dismantled by the Police, who conducted the removal of some structures set up by protesters. However, by later in the evening the tents were set up again, through legal intervention.
When we look at how certain protests were dealt with and were interpreted in the recent past, especially under governments led by the Rajapaksa family, the people’s fears are justifiable. However, engaging in peaceful protests and expressing opinions peacefully are rights guaranteed by the country’s Constitution, and the same have been upheld by the Apex Court many times. Therefore, any attempt to disrupt peaceful protests is not only anti-Constitutional, but is also illegal and undemocratic.
At a time when the people have started fighting for their futures, the Government should act more responsibly and prudently, and how it uses its resources to manage protesters should also be as peaceful as possible. In fact, since the first day of the protests in the Galle Face area, the Police and the defense forces and the protesters have done their part extremely peacefully, while extending a friendly gesture to each other.
The protests were launched for a noble reason, and they are largely people-led campaigns, although politicians and other figures who have biases too have been a part of it. The Government and the authorities, especially the law enforcement authorities, have a responsibility to do what is right for the country. We should not forget that the ongoing struggle is not just to protect the future of protesters, and that everyone's future is at stake.Kapruka
Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!
Discover Kapruka, the leading online shopping platform in Sri Lanka, where you can conveniently send Gifts and Flowers to your loved ones for any event. Explore a wide range of popular Shopping Categories on Kapruka, including Toys, Groceries, Electronics, Birthday Cakes, Fruits, Chocolates, Automobile, Mother and Baby Products, Clothing, and Fashion. Additionally, Kapruka offers unique online services like Money Remittance, Astrology, Medicine Delivery, and access to over 700 Top Brands. Also If you’re interested in selling with Kapruka, Partner Central by Kapruka is the best solution to start with. Moreover, through Kapruka Global Shop, you can also enjoy the convenience of purchasing products from renowned platforms like Amazon and eBay and have them delivered to Sri Lanka.Send love straight to their heart this Valentine's with our thoughtful gifts!