After the resignation of Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and his departure from Colombo in the face of opposition protests, the Rajapaksa government ordered the firing on the protesters. The country’s defense ministry issued the directive to law enforcement in a statement on Tuesday (May 10th) evening.
Ministry spokeswoman Nalin Herath said security forces had been instructed to open fire if anyone was seen looting government property or causing damage to human lives.
The Sri Lankan authorities issued such strict instructions the day after the death of one MP, the attack on another and the arson attack on the homes of more than 50 leaders, including ministers and prime ministers.
Earlier, emergency power was handed over to the military and police in Sri Lanka. This power allows them to arrest anyone without a warrant. The decision comes as seven people were killed and at least 200 injured in Monday’s violence. Violence has forced Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa to resign. However, his resignation did not stop the violence. The angry mob set fire to the houses of several leaders and activists including him. Several leaders and activists have also been victims of harassment. Protesters are demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa
Sri Lanka’s outgoing Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa is believed to have taken refuge at the Trincomalee naval base to save his life. The army removed him from his residence early Tuesday morning to protect him from angry mobs. However, in the commercial capital Colombo, the situation is tense, although there is no renewed violence.
He was evacuated on Tuesday morning after thousands of protesters stormed his residence.
Senior Deputy Inspector General of Police (SDIG) Deshbandhu Tennakun was also attacked. The video of his beating has gone viral on social media.
