Sirisena alarmed by new President's actions

COLOMBO (News 1st); Former President Maithripala Sirisena it is very necessary to calm the country at a time when the people are under severe pressure due to a lack of food, lack of oil, gas, and fertilizers in the whole country.

At a time when international support is desperately needed, we absolutely do not condone the launching of an oppressive crackdown on the people involved in the Galle Face struggle, said the Former President.

"From 2015 to 2019 until the day I left the office of the President, the armed forces were not used in any way to suppress the protests that took place several times a week around the President's Office and in Colombo," he added.

During the period of my presidency, university students, as well as various political groups and organizations, came to the President's office to struggle and protest, but I accepted the best practice to deploy police officers to protect law and order, he added.

"Many problems in the country can be solved if we first negotiate and reach a consensus in solving every problem. It is absolutely unacceptable for a new president to enter into such a repressive system within twenty-four hours of his inauguration. We express our condolences to all the victims of this morning's attack and it is best if the arrested persons are released soon," said the former President.