Sri Lankan Protesters decide to hand over occupied Government buildings
Sri Lankan anti-government protesters sing after occupying the prime minister’s office at Colombo, Sri Lanka. 13 July 2022. (Photo by Tharaka Basnayaka / NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Sri Lankan Protesters have decided to withdraw from government buildings they have occupied including the President’s House, Presidential Secretariat, Temple Trees and the Office of the Prime Minister with immediate effect, aiming to restore peace in the country.
The announcement was made during a media briefing conducted by a group of protesters.
Meanwhile the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) had said it is deeply disturbed at the occupation of the Prime Minister’s Office at Flower Road by protesting crowds and called upon them to return the said premises to the authorities immediately.
“Whilst the BASL will continue to uphold the rights of peaceful protests, it does not support a situation of lawlessness or anarchy which are unconstitutional.”
“Attempts to occupy Government Offices and to cause destruction and or damage to property do not constitute peaceful protests,” the BASL said, issuing a statement yesterday (July 13).
Protesters who demanded the resignation of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa forcibly entered several government buildings in recent days.
They also entered the Office of the Prime Minister of Sri Lanka yesterday (July 13).
Latest Headlines in Sri Lanka
- IFC announces $166 million financing package to support Sri Lankan businesses January 25, 2026
- Rs. 133.94 Million worth of Kush and Hashish smuggling attempt foiled at BIA January 25, 2026
- India hands over Red Notice suspect to Sri Lanka January 25, 2026
- Sri Lanka Parliament Deputy Secretary General suspended January 24, 2026
- Doctors’ 48-hour strike disrupts hospitals across Sri Lanka for second day January 24, 2026
