Government must explain reasons for declaring emergency - Human Rights Commission

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka said it is deeply concerned about the promulgation of Emergency from midnight on the 7th May.

"We urge the government to explain to the public the reasons for this proclamation since protests have been largely peaceful and within the ambit of normal police operations," it said in a statement.

"We hope that freedom of speech and assembly,the rights associated with arrest and detention as well as other fundamental rights and freedoms will not be affected or derogated from during the period of the emergency," said the statement.