Sri Lanka army to claim power amid crisis? CDS Silva denies any such assertions

Colombo, Jul 11: Amid the ongoing protests in Sri Lanka over the economic and political crisis, the Chief of Defence Staff of Sri Lanka, General Shavendra Silva has denied the social media reports of military personnel marching towards Galle Face protest site.

 

 

 

 

The Sri Lanka Ministry of Defence Spokesman said quoting the Chief of Defence Staff, General Shavendra Silva that "There is no such attempt to attack or disturb 'the Aragala Bhumiya' as falsely circulating in social media now," and refuted the fabricated information. In another official statement, Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka also denied the rumors of a military operation to occupy the Aragalaya struggle ground at this moment.

 

 

 

 

 

Fonseka further added, "Do not panic, continue your struggle peacefully and non-violently." The protests demanding the resignation of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa started off on Apr 9. Since then it has been continuing 24/7 irrespective of the adverse weather and other shortcomings.

 

 

People from all walks of life , doctors, lawyers among others, have since gathered at Galle Face vowing their support to the protests. Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence with food and fuel shortages, soaring prices and power cuts affecting a large number of the people, resulting in massive protests over the government's handling of the situation.