No one is permitted to disturb day-to-day activities of the general public
- Acting Defence Minister Premitha Bandara Thennakoon
September 26, 2022
The government respects the people’s right to peaceful protests. However, protests should not destroy property or disturb the peaceful day-to-day lives of the general public.
The protests staged while disturbing the peaceful daily activities of the public are controlled by the security sector establishments of the country abiding by the law of the country.
Acting Minister of Defence Premitha Bandara Thennakoon made these remarks addressing a special media briefing organized by the Government Information Department to brief the security situation of the country today morning (Sept 26).
While stating that the responsible parties are required to keep the relevant security organs informed of the prospective protests six hours before staging any protests and the prior approval to be obtained, the Minister further emphasized that no such procedures have been followed during the protests staged by the protesters.
During whatever the circumstances in the country, no party can be allowed to irresponsibly work violating peace and disturbing the public, the Minister stated while adding that the government responsibly acts during any instance.
Those attempts exerted by certain fractions to de-establish the country shall not be permitted, he added.
Minister Thennakoon also clarified that national security, political stability as well as the rule of law are key attributes for any country to achieve economic stability and we believe that economic stability cannot be achieved if the rule of law is violated.
There is no room for anyone to disturb the peace in the country. Therefore, we urge the general public of our country to understand this situation wisely and collectively work to find solutions to the problems of the country, he said.
During the media briefing, the Defence Secretary, General Kamal Gunaratne said that the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Public Security as the two main organs of the country responsible for national security, take all measures to ensure public safety while stating that the general public undergoes greater hardships during situations where officials serving in the state buildings such as Presidential Secretariat cannot perform their respective duties.
The security sector establishments are compelled to take the required steps to prevent harm caused to the general public. Accordingly, the security forces are on standby to provide all support to the Police to maintain peace and security in the march towards stability of the country, the Defence Secretary assured.
Director General of Government Information Department Dinith Chinthaka Karunarathne presided over the conference.
During the session, Police Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa also clarified on the security situation of the country.
