Get latest articles and stories on World at LatestLY. Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe issued an extraordinary gazette on Saturday, revoking last week s order that declared several key locations in Colombo as high security zones, after sustained pressure from the Opposition and country s human rights watchdog condemning his move. World News | Sri Lankan President Wickremesinghe Makes U-turn on Order Declaring Key Government Buildings in Colombo as High Security Zones.
The move, which many see as a throwback to the restrictions imposed during the LTTE days that saw suicide explosions at such key locations, prevents even the parking of cars near key govt buildings
The Sri Lankan government on Monday defended its decision to declare several key locations in Colombo as high-security zones, saying the move is aimed at ensuring stability and not curbing freedom of expression, amid mounting criticism from rights groups.Sri Lankan President Ranil Wickremesinghe on Friday declared several locations, including Parliament, the Supreme Court complex and the Presidents Secretariat among others, as high-security zones HSZs, banning any kind of protest or agitation in their vicinity.HSZs are nothing new.
Sri Lankan police on Saturday arrested 84 protesters for taking part in a protest march against the government. The police fired tear gas and water cannon at the activists.
Sri Lanka declares key government building locations in Colombo as high security zones theprint.in - get the latest breaking news, showbiz & celebrity photos, sport news & rumours, viral videos and top stories from theprint.in Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday newspapers.