Sri Lankan Government supporters disrupt peaceful protests

Published

4 years ago

June 23, 2022

Srilankan government supporters, on Monday, struck peaceful anti-government protest sites around the nation including Colombo, says Human Rights Watch

I appeal to all our citizens who have carried on a Wonderful struggle for Justice and Democratic governance so PEACEFULLY,to be aware that saboteurs may be used to incite violence in order to pave the way for military rule.Please use your organisational skills to halt this danger
— Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga (@CBKsrilanka) May 10, 2022

The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka, Bar Association and other foreign diplomats have condemned the attack on protesters and called for an impartial investigation.

The Aftermath

Following this, the protesters are now calling for Prime Minister’s brother to resign from his role as the president.

It was noted that the government should protect the right to peaceful protest and ensure the security forces are responding appropriately to public disorder.

This came after hundreds of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa’s supporters charged at Galle face green, the camp site of peaceful protesters.

The protestors were there for weeks demanding the Prime Minister’s resignation.

Witnesses of the incident recount that the government supporters attacked the protestors with clubs and other weapons and even set fire to their tents.

Hours later, Mahinda Rajapaksa resigned as prime minister.

South Asia director at Human Rights Watch, Meenakshi Ganguly says these attacks risk further deadly violence.

“It is vitally important for the security forces to fully respect the right to peaceful assembly, and for those responsible for violence to be held to account.”

Kasumi Ranasinghe Arachchige, a protester present at Galle Face Green notes that as the protesters came in with knives and sticks the police forces retreated from the spot.

She says that the government supporters started destroying everything.

“It seemed as if they knew what and who to look for.”

The government later imposed a nationwide curfew after over 150 people were reported injured and at least five dead in different incidents.

Former Sri Lankan president Chandrika Bandaranaike Kumaratunga has warned the protestors about saboteurs who might incite violence.

The Sri Lankan government has asked the respective authorities to shoot the lawbreakers on sight in order to control the widespread violence.

Tens of thousands of army, navy and air force personnel are currently patrolling the streets of Colombo but crowds continue to gather.

Shreya Vats contributed to this report

Related Topics:Politics protest sri lanka trending

Up Next

Sporting stars lose millions amid crypto crash

Don't Miss

Migrants and asylum seekers remain locked up near front lines

ticker NEWS

Over 330,000 displaced as Middle East tensions escalate

Published

3 hours ago

March 6, 2026

Harvey Vargas

The Middle East is facing a growing humanitarian crisis as renewed conflict between the United States, Israel, and Iran sends shockwaves across the region. Families are fleeing cities, villages, and towns, leaving behind homes and livelihoods in search of safety amid rising violence. The UN refugee agency reports that thousands of people are on the move daily, particularly from Tehran and other affected areas in Iran.

In Lebanon, the humanitarian toll is mounting. Over 84,000 people are now sheltering in nearly 400 collective sites, while more than 30,000 have crossed into Syria since the escalation began. Evacuation orders affecting over 50 villages triggered a wave of displacement from southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut’s southern suburbs, adding to tens of thousands still displaced from the 2024 conflict. Many are attempting to flee on foot with few belongings, seeking safety in neighbouring areas.

The situation is raising fears of a wider refugee crisis. European authorities warn that displacement of just 10 percent of Iran’s population could rival the largest refugee flows of recent decades. Turkey has prepared facilities for up to 90,000 potential arrivals, while the UNHCR says it requires $454 million in 2026 to support displaced populations across Afghanistan, Iran, Pakistan, and Central Asia—but has received only 15 percent so far.

News

Trump weighs U.S. role in Iran as Middle East conflict escalates

Trump consults advisers on U.S. strategy post-Iran conflict as regional tensions escalate amid military actions.

Published

1 day ago

March 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

Trump consults advisers on U.S. strategy post-Iran conflict as regional tensions escalate amid military actions.

President Trump is consulting with top advisers on how the U.S. should respond once the conflict in Iran subsides. Decisions on military, diplomatic, and regional strategies are reportedly being finalised amid the ongoing conflict.

Meanwhile, Iran has targeted multiple regional sites while Israel intercepted a jet fighter over Tehran, signalling a dangerously volatile situation. International concern grows as conflicts risk wider escalation.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@weareticker

#MiddleEastCrisis #IranConflict #TrumpUpdate #USMilitary #Israel #AirCampaign #GlobalTensions #BreakingNews

News

U.S. submarine sinks Iranian warship near Sri Lanka

U.S. video of Iranian warship sinking escalates tensions, confirms submarine responsible near Sri Lanka, sparks geopolitical concerns.

Published

1 day ago

March 5, 2026

Harvey Vargas

U.S. video of Iranian warship sinking escalates tensions, confirms submarine responsible near Sri Lanka, sparks geopolitical concerns.

A dramatic video showing the sinking of an Iranian warship has been released by the United States, escalating tensions in an already volatile region. While the exact date and full details of the footage remain unverified, the images have quickly gone viral across global platforms.

U.S. Department of War Secretary Pete Hegseth confirmed that a U.S. submarine was responsible for sinking the Iranian vessel off the southern coast of Sri Lanka. The development marks a significant flashpoint in maritime security across the Indo-Pacific.

Sri Lanka’s Foreign Minister identified the ship as the IRIS Dena, raising fresh geopolitical questions about Tehran’s naval movements and Washington’s strategic response.

Subscribe to never miss an episode of Ticker – https://www.youtube.com/@UCiMroZIXuwlSh1r5wZdeU6Q
#Iran #USMilitary #SriLanka #Geopolitics #NavalWarfare #BreakingNews #DefenseNews #GlobalTensions