The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka reiterates that the Police must NOT use the provisions of the Police Ordinance to violate the fundamental rights declared and recognized by the Constitution of Sri Lanka.
The HRCSL made this statement in response to a letter submitted to the Commission by trade unions and mass organizations, informing that the Police had illegally notified them to obtain permission for the peaceful protest set to be held on Wednesday (2).
The HRCSL highlights that peaceful protests are permitted according to Section 77 of the Police Ordinance.
It warned the Police that the Constitution of Sri Lanka is in fact the supreme law of the country, adding that violating fundamental rights would result in serious consequences.
The HRCSL also reminds the Police to pay attention to the recommendations made by the Commission to the Public Security Minister on the 28th of September.
According to the statement, a team attached to the Human Rights Commission will also be deployed to monitor the peaceful protest march.
HRCSL Press Notice on 01 11 2022 and HRCSL letter to Ministry of Public Security on 28 10 2022