Politics · Sri Lanka Bureau
Global Sri Lanka Forum alleges Western diplomatic silence on protest crackdowns
A representative of the Global Sri Lanka Forum has accused Western missions in Colombo of applying double standards in their response to the government's handling of recent protests. The criticism centres on police action against demonstrations led by Buddhist clergy at Viharamahadevi Park.
LSN Sri Lanka ·
The Global Sri Lanka Forum's Yasus Dharmadasa on Monday alleged that the Western diplomatic community based in Colombo has remained silent over the National People's Power government's approach to suppressing protests, particularly those led by the Maha Sangha.
Dharmadasa's comments focused on police operations at Viharamahadevi Park, where demonstrators gathered demanding a presidential pardon for Venerable Galagodaatte Gnanasara. The activist claimed Western missions had failed to publicly address or criticise the police response to these particular demonstrations.
The allegation reflects ongoing tensions between civil society groups and international diplomatic representatives regarding consistency in statements on protest rights and freedom of assembly in Sri Lanka. Western missions have previously been called upon by various stakeholders to issue public positions on domestic political developments.
The Forum's statement highlights broader concerns about how international observers assess and respond to government actions affecting religious leaders and public dissent in the island nation. The incident at Viharamahadevi Park has drawn attention from civil rights advocates monitoring police conduct and protest management policies under the current administration.