"This is not the time to crack down on citizens, but instead to look ahead at the immediate and tangible steps the Government can take to regain the trust of the people, restore stability, and rebuild the economy," Julie Chung said in a tweet.
Security forces raided and partially cleared a protest camp occupying government grounds in Colombo, fuelling fears that President Ranil Wickremesinghe had launched a crackdown a day after being sworn in.(1/2) Just met w/ President @RW_UNP to express my grave concern over the unnecessary & deeply troubling escalation of violence against protesters overnight.
— Ambassador Julie Chung (@USAmbSL) July 22, 2022
The President & cabinet have an opportunity and an obligation to respond to the calls of Sri Lankans for a better future.
