The United States Embassy in Sri Lanka expressed concern over the Sri Lankan police's apparent support of a mob lead by Buddhist monks that disrupted a private meeting for families of the disappeared from the North on Monday.
“The US embassy is concerned that the initial reaction of the local police to this disruption appeared to be in support of the mob efforts to shut down the meeting, though after discussions with diplomatic officials the police did effectively calm the situation," the embassy said in a statement issued hours after the mob violence.
“The mob shouted hateful slogans, made unfounded accusations, and behaved threateningly towards the families of the disappeared. These protesters were not exercising their right to peaceful protest, but rather were disrupting a peaceful gathering of conflict survivors, including children. The strong impression was that the protesters were seeking to intimidate and silence those in attendance," The statement added.
The US embassy also called on the Government of Sri Lanka to take all possible steps to ensure the safety of families who travelled from the North to attend this meeting both in Colombo and on their journeys back home.
Monk led Mob disrupts meeting for families of disappeared (04 August 2014)
“The US embassy is concerned that the initial reaction of the local police to this disruption appeared to be in support of the mob efforts to shut down the meeting, though after discussions with diplomatic officials the police did effectively calm the situation," the embassy said in a statement issued hours after the mob violence.
“The mob shouted hateful slogans, made unfounded accusations, and behaved threateningly towards the families of the disappeared. These protesters were not exercising their right to peaceful protest, but rather were disrupting a peaceful gathering of conflict survivors, including children. The strong impression was that the protesters were seeking to intimidate and silence those in attendance," The statement added.
The US embassy also called on the Government of Sri Lanka to take all possible steps to ensure the safety of families who travelled from the North to attend this meeting both in Colombo and on their journeys back home.
Monk led Mob disrupts meeting for families of disappeared (04 August 2014)