The Sri Lankan security forces abruptly imposed a curfew in the capital Colombo late on Friday evening, amidst reports of security forces firing tear gas and using a water cannon on protesters ahead of a much anticipated anti-government rally tomorrow.
The hastily issued curfew, released just an hour before it came into force, started at 9PM local time in Colombo and several surrounding suburbs.
It did not say how long it will be enforced.
“People living in the areas under curfew should remain at home,” said a Sri Lankan police notice. “Breaking of police curfew will be seen as a disruption of public order and strict legal action will be taken.”
The Bar Association of Sri Lanka lodged its “strong protest” at the imposition of a “purported curfew”, with its head Saliya Pieris stating it is “illegal and a blatant violation of fundamental rights”.
There is nothing called 'police curfew' under the Police Ordinance. The declaration of curfew is illegal and a blatant violation of fundamental rights. pic.twitter.com/1w1wFXuXPn
— Saliya Pieris (@saliyapieris) July 8, 2022
“This is an unlawful announcement to discourage people to gather tomorrow to protest against the government,” said TNA lawmaker M A Sumanthiran.
The curfew announced comes as thousands of Sri Lankan troops have reportedly been deployed in Colombo ahead of the July 9th protest.
Despite the curfew and ramped up security presence, the Inter University Students Federation pledged to “surround Colombo tomorrow”.