Sri Lankans have a right to protest peacefully - essential for democratic expression. I am watching the situation closely, and hope the coming days bring restraint from all sides, as well as much needed economic stability and relief for those suffering.

_{Locals in Mannar queue for fuel}

A 6,000 MT gas delivery arrived from the Middle East but was turned away after Sri Lankan officials failed to provide adequate proof of funding for the US $4.5 million shipment.

Responding to Britain’s travel advisory warning on Sri Lanka, the country’s Foreign Ministry,  G.L. Peiris, lashed out against the UK accusing the government of singling out Sri Lanka for criticism and claimed individuals had gained 'mega financial benefits' as the United Nations Human Rights Council passed resolutions on mass atrocities committed on the island.

According to a report in The Island, Peiris claimed “the UN squandered money on a costly project targeting Sri Lanka”.

Following the protest outside Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's residence, Sri Lankan police arrested a total of 56 people under the country's widely condemned Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) with 48 having since been released. 

The 48 people were released on bail by Nugegoda magistrate’s court after the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka’s statement that those protesting in Nugegoda cannot be charged under the PTA.

Gotabaya Rajapaksa has issued a gazette declaring a 'public emergency' following anti-government protests.

The gazette notes the declaration to be in the 'interests of public security'.The emergency law enables all Sri Lankan state authorities to detain people without warrants, seize property, enter and search any premises, suspend laws and issue orders that cannot be questioned in court. Officials who issue such orders are also immune from lawsuits.

The International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Sri Lanka are to initiate talks in the coming days regarding a financial assistance program after the state sought help to avert the deepening economic crisis. 

Sri Lanka has expressed interest in an IMF-supported financial program. We will initiate program discussions with the authorities, including during the Finance Minister’s visit to Washington, DC in April. pic.twitter.com/EfsVlWaPu3

Supporters of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa were chased away by protesters in Jaffna after they attempted to disrupt a peaceful demonstration against the Sri Lankan government earlier today, with a Tamil woman pulling down a Sri Lankan flag that one of them was waving.

Amnesty International has called on Sri Lankan authorities to "not use unnecessary or excessive force to disperse protesters" after thousands of protesters tried to storm the President's residence last night. 

Frustrated by routine power outages and shortages of essential items due to the island's worsening economic crisis, protesters flocked to the President's home in Mirihana.

At least 7 Sinhala journalists were beaten by Sri Lankan security officers during a protest near the president’s residence yesterday, as reports of the assaults broke out on Friday.

"They ganged up and beat me up when I had fallen on the ground," said Sumedha Sanjeewa a freelance video journalist who was subsequently arrested by Sri Lankan authorities. He said officers in uniform and civilian clothing had assaulted him.

Tamil and Muslim bystanders who did not take in yesterday’s protest were amongst those detained by Sri Lankan security forces last night, according to a lawyer who visited the Mirihana police station this morning.

As many as 45 people were arrested by the Sri Lankan security forces, as a protests near the president’s residence flared into clashes last night.