The #SaveSri Lanka IT Industry professionals condemned the attack
on peaceful protests in a media release recently.
“We are also deeply dismayed that some people went beyond self-defence and chose to punish the mob and their sponsors,” the statement noted.
Excerpts:
“We condemn in the strongest possible terms, the violence instigated by mobs against the peaceful protestors on the morning of May 9. We support and praise the extraordinary patience of the protestors who not only weathered over 30 days of challenges without resorting to violence, but also managed to restore peace at ‘GotaGoGama’ mere hours after enduring a brutal, armed assault. “There is evidence showing police officers standing idly by as the mob attacked the protestors. We call for the immediate arrest of all persons who committed, sponsored, or enabled this violence, either directly or through dereliction of duty, irrespective of their position.
“We call for them to be investigated and prosecuted to the full extent of the law. We are also deeply dismayed that some individuals went beyond self-defence and chose to punish the pro-government mob and their sponsors. We condemn these brutal assaults, killings and destruction of property.
“Protestors at ‘GotaGoGama’ continue to shun violence, going so far as to request attendees to not even carry a stick for self-defence. Therefore, any violence taking place anywhere within the country right now, is not in the spirit of ‘GotaGoGama’. Such acts are not in the name of the protestors there.
“We call on everyone to take an example from these young men and women, and return to peaceful protests. We also urge law enforcement agencies to investigate and take action on all crimes immediately, so that the public›s trust in the rule of law is restored without delay.
“Finally, we pledge our full support to the public›s effort to peacefully transition Sri Lanka into a non-corrupt and effective form of government. We also pledge our financial support and technical coordination to ensure the supply of essentials directly to those in need during these difficult times,” the statement added.