Sri Lankans protest over government clampdown

Protesters march in Colombo to demand the end of emergency laws

Protestors participate in an anti-government demonstration in Colombo on August 9, 2022. (Photo by ISHARA S. KODIKARA / AFP)

Hundreds of Sri Lankans protest against a government clampdown on peaceful demonstrations over the country’s worst economic crisis. AFP

Protesters marched to the Independence Square in Colombo and demanded the government withdraws the use of emergency laws against them. AFP

The demonstrators, led by religious and trade union leaders, urged an end to the arrests of peaceful protesters, the dissolution of parliament and basic supplies for those in need. AFP

Religious leaders attending the protest march in Colombo. EPA

Protests have been taking place for more than four months. EPA

A buddhist monk listens to a protester's speech at an anti-government rally. Reuters

The banner reads 'Stop State Repression'. EPA

People watch as the protesters march. Reuters

Trade union and civil society activists shout slogans denouncing President Ranil Wickremesinghe. AP Photo

Hundreds of Sri Lankans protested on Tuesday against a government clampdown on peaceful demonstrations over the country’s worst economic crisis.

Protesters marched to the Independence Square in Colombo and demanded the government withdraws the use of emergency laws against them.

The demonstrators, led by religious and trade union leaders, urged an end to the arrests of peaceful protesters, the dissolution of Parliament and basic supplies for those in need.

It is the latest in four months of street protests in the crisis-hit country.

Last month, former President Gotabaya Rajapaksa fled to Singapore and resigned after demonstrators stormed his official home and occupied several vital government buildings.

His brother, Mahinda, resigned as prime minister in May, with four other family members quitting as ministers before him.

Protesters accuse the Rajapaksa family of plunging the country into the crisis through mismanagement and corruption.

The former prime minister, Ranil Wickremesinghe, was elected by Parliament to complete Mr Rajapaksa’s five-year term until 2024. However, many of the protesters say he was backed by lawmakers who are still loyal to the Rajapaksas to protect the former ruling family from being held accountable.

Several groups had initially called a major rally to force Mr Wickremesinghe out of office, but a lack of support forced them to hold smaller protests. They called for a temporary government, the dissolution of Parliament and fresh elections.

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Since his election, Mr Wickremesinghe has authorised the military and police to violently dismantle protest camps and arrest those they identified to have trespassed the presidential palace and other state buildings.

Mr Wickremesinghe on Tuesday visited the army headquarters and thanked soldiers who protected Parliament when protesters tried to enter last month.

“If we had lost Parliament, it would have created a big problem … we would have lost the governance system that we know,” Mr Wickremesinghe said.

He said it was up to lawmakers to win over the confidence of the people.