Sri Lanka Freedom Party leader and former President Maithripala Sirisena yesterday declared that attacking innocent protesters was unacceptable and repressive and condemned the action by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

“It is absolutely unacceptable for a new President to enter into such a repressive system within 24 hours of his inauguration. We express our condolences to all the victims of the attack and it is best if the arrested persons are released soon,” Sirisena said in a statement.

He noted that the Government needs to bring stability and relief to people who are under severe pressure due to a lack of food, lack of oil, gas, and fertilisers.

“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,” Sirisena emphasised.

JVP alleges RW taking revenge against protesters on behalf of ousted Rajapaksas