Protesters at the main protest camp in Sri Lanka said on Thursday: they have no intention of abandoning what they see as the epicenter of social revolt Despite Sri Lankan authorities’ ultimatum to withdraw from the region on Friday afternoon due to the economic crisis.
A few tents have remained intact in the Gota Go Gama camp, which was baptized in reference to the name of former Sri Lankan president Gotabaya Rajapaksa, who was overthrown last month, awaiting a court decision after more than a hundred days of protests. and not a statement by the police forcing them to leave the area.
“We said that we would go through legal proceedings and not succumb to these corrupt politicians. Let’s play with the head. Angelo Kulasuriya, one of the activists, told Efe, “This was just a police announcement, not from the courts.”
He told Efe, “We haven’t decided to leave Gota Go Gama yet. We will decide after the court decision. Even if we have to leave here, our movement is not over yet. This will be a break for our fight.” chapter activist Udari Ayesha.
The protesters’ reaction is in response to the ultimatum issued by the Sri Lanka Police on Wednesday. Evacuate the camp at five in the afternoon on Friday.
Threatening those who oppose the order with legal consequences, the security forces warned, “Act in accordance with the law and do not hinder the public.”
Warning to the police this Wednesday Added arrests of activists and protesters for alleged damage to public property and non-compliance with court orders.
Among those arrested is Joseph Stalin, the general secretary of the Teachers’ Union, who gathered in the capital on Thursday to arouse the anger of hundreds of activists demanding his release.
“The work of human rights defenders like Joseph has become more important than ever in recent weeks and must be supported, not punished,” Mary Lawlor, UN special rapporteur on human rights defenders, said on Wednesday.
Ranil Wickremesinghe, the new president of the island nation, warned: will not tolerate violence in the countrywhile committed to respecting the rights of protesters.
“Peaceful struggle is a fundamental right. I accept these rights (…) I will protect nonviolence and democracy,” said the president, declaring a state of emergency after he came to power two weeks ago, which tightened measures against street demonstrations and now faces critics.
“I have been here for 118 days. The government is openly trying to silence us. Police are raiding our homes now,” activist Samali Mandira told Efe.
Sri Lanka is facing the worst economic crisis in its history, mired in deep debt and lacks the liquidity to acquire essential goods such as medicine, fuel, food and gas.
in the middle of the situation The island nation resumed negotiations with the United States last week. International Monetary Fund (IMF) get a loan to deal with the crisis.