Sri Lanka: Demonstrations expected in Colombo November 5 /update 5

Event

Supporters of President Maithripala Sirisena’s United People’s Freedom Alliance (UPFA) are expected to hold a rally in Colombo on Monday, November 5. The demonstration is set to start at 14:00 (local time) outside the Parliament building. Additional rallies and counterprotests are possible on Monday and in the coming days as political tensions remain high in the country. Heightened security measures and localized traffic disruptions are anticipated around all demonstrations.

Context

Sri Lanka's parliament will reconvene on Wednesday, November 7, after its suspension and the dismissal and replacement of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe. Parliament was initially suspended on October 26 following the dismissal of Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and his cabinet after President Sirisena's party left the majority coalition. President Sirisena immediately appointed former president Mahinda Rajapaksa as prime minister, a move that Wickremesinghe declared illegal. Both Wickremesinghe and Rajapaksa are attempting to shore up support among legislators ahead of the reconvention of parliament and a vote for leadership.

Advice

Individuals present in Sri Lanka, particularly in Colombo, are advised to keep abreast of the domestic political climate, adhere to instructions issued by local authorities and their home governments, and to avoid all protests due to the risk of violence.