BASL calls for Emergency proclamation be revoked

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Bar Association of Sri Lanka states that it is of the view that a declaration of a state of emergency is not the answer to the present situation in the country, and had called upon the President to revoke the Emergency proclamation.

In a statement, the BASL states that unfortunately, those in authority have until very recently failed to understand the gravity of the 

situation and the grave impact the crisis has on the life of the people and the community. The unprecedented power cuts extending for over half the day, the fuel shortages, gas shortages, drugs shortages, the foreign exchange crisis and the escalating prices of essential items have all resulted in the people of this country being driven to desperation.

It adds that the state of emergency must not be used to stifle peaceful protests and dissent or to make arbitrary arrests and 

detentions.