Sri Lanka – Sri Lanka issues shoot-on-sight order to quell unrest.

Location: Colombo- Sri Lanka

Language: Sinhala

Duration: 00:07:05

Source: A24 

Restrictions: A24 Subscribers

Dateline: 10-05-2022 

Storyline:

Sri Lankan security forces have been ordered to shoot law-breakers on sight in a bid to quell anti-government protests on the island.

Demonstrators are calling for the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa over the island’s worst economic crisis in history.

On Monday, his brother, Mahinda Rajapaksa, stepped down as prime minister amid violent street clashes. But the resignation failed to bring calm and violence continued.

Yesterday, the government ordered troops to open fire on anyone looting public property or causing harm to life.

It also deployed tens of thousands of army, navy and air force personnel to patrol the streets of the capital Colombo. Despite their presence, the city’s top police officer was assaulted yesterday afternoon by a mob accusing him of not doing enough to protect peaceful protesters.

At Colombo’s Galle Face Green, on the sea front, crowds also continued to gather. Police say eight people have died and the capital’s main hospital says more than 215 people have been wounded since Monday.

Dharshana Handungoda, a Senior Journalist and prominent Socio-Political analyst in Sri Lanka, said Mahinda Inadvertently informed security forces to attack and assault peaceful protestors.

Prof. Ashu Marasinghe, member of parliament, urged unarmed people in the country to take to the streets, saying the expulsion of Rajapaksa family from the country is the only way to end the crisis.

Shots list:

– ( Soundbite ) (Dharshana Handungoda – Senior Journalist cum a prominent Socio-Political analyst in Sri Lanka):

“Today is May 10. Yesterday was May 9. Exactly one month has passed since the struggle. “Mina-Go-Game” that especially at a time when the state of emergency was being declared, the former Prime Minister, and the current Member of Parliament Mahinda Rajapaksa was encouraged to hold a large gathering in that premises. Mahinda, Johnny, Raththaran and CB were all present there. They encouraged them to go and attack the struggle of the unarmed innocent civilians that is the truth. This is no secret in the political world. Mahinda Inadvertently informed them to attack and assault peaceful protestors. That is why the peaceful protestors and civilians of this country have been subjected to the most brutal attacks by them.”

– ( Soundbite ) Prof. Ashu Marasinghe – sitting Member of Parliament):

“The son of the Prime Minister who planned this has fled the country today. This is the real situation. Therefore, all unarmed people in the country should take to the streets and join this struggle. This will only end with the expulsion of this brutal Rajapaksa family from this country. It requires everyone to join. That is our goal. “

– ( Soundbite ) Mr. Harinda Fonseka, Founder and CEO of Gudppl movement Sri Lanka):

“Supporters of Mahinda Rajapaksa came to this place and destroyed it. We can imagine their fear. Their wishes were passed on to one family. When that family gradually losing their grip from the ruling class in this country, their dreams seem to be faded away. But there is no consensus on this despicable act. This is how the peaceful struggle of the brave people who are trying to build a better Sri Lanka has been attacked. One side is brave, the other is not.”

– ( Soundbite ) (Dharshana Handungoda – Senior Journalist cum a prominent Socio-Political analyst in Sri Lanka):

“Not only have that, as of today, 8 people been killed. Nearly 215 people have been injured. Former Prime Minister and current Member of Parliament Mahinda Rajapaksa is directly responsible for these eight dead bodies, namely the criminal killings. We propose to the Bar Association to intervene and arrest Mahinda Rajapaksa in connection with this barbaric attack on unarmed innocent civilians by the name of civilized world and the murders that took place. Therefore, complaints should be lodged and heard, evidence should be called, they should not be allowed to leave the country, and they should be arrested, produced in court, convicted and imprisoned.”