Ministry of Defense clarifies emergency situation

In a press release issued to clarify the matters regarding the state of emergency declared in Sri Lanka, the Defence Ministry said the government respects the democratic right of the people of Sri Lanka to peacefully express their agitations and protests within the democratic framework.

There have been reports of protesters behaving in a provocative and threatening manner without any regard for the prevailing law and order in the country, disrupting the work of the police and security forces who are committed to maintain law and order, the ministry said further, adding that the majority of the law-abiding citizens of the country find it very difficult to maintain the essential services required to carry out their daily lives as a result.

Thereby, the Defence Ministry, calling for the assistance of the general public in managing the current economic and social crisis and unrest, requested them to extend their support to the armed forces and the police department who are committed to the safety of the people in such emergencies.