Sri Lanka: Curfew declared in Colombo District 12:00 July 14-05:00 July 15

Event

Prime Minister Ranil Wikremesinghe, in his capacity as the acting president, has declared a curfew 12:00 July 14-05:00 July 15 across Colombo District amid an ongoing indefinite state of emergency. Extensions and/or recurrence are likely; an earlier islandwide curfew lasted 12:00 July 13-05:00 July 14. Residents must stay home except for emergency reasons during curfews; police-issued movement passes or approved employment cards are typically required to exit homes for essential work. Public transport services are curtailed during curfew hours, and may be further limited to usage by essential workers only.

Rallies continue to occur in Colombo as of July 14 despite Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa acceding to resign. Protestors have agreed to vacate occupied premises including the Presidential Secretariat, the Prime Minister's Office, as well as the residences of the president and prime minister as of July 14. Fresh protests are likely during and after a planned parliamentary session from July 15. Authorities said the parliament will elect a new president July 20 and form a new all-party interim government in the coming days.

Popular protest venues include railway stations, public squares, as well as offices and homes of politicians. Localized transport disruptions are likely, especially along routes leading to the parliament and prime ministerial office. Businesses and workplaces may close as a security precaution; the US embassy has suspended all consular services July 14.

Security personnel are deployed to multiple government facilities including state-owned media houses and the parliament. Police will monitor any demonstrations; the army has deployed to key buildings. Roadblocks and security cordons are certain near entry points of Colombo and sensitive sites like the prime minister's and president's offices and residences. The tightest controls are probable in the vicinity of Galle Face Green; officials typically barricade most access roads like Lotus Road. Activists may clash with police or rival groups. Protests may quickly turn violent, with activists engaging in arson, vandalism, and attacks on vehicles or property. Officials may impose additional controls on media, social media, internet, and telecommunication services or use live ammunition in case of significant violence.

Advice

Avoid any protests due to possible clashes. Plan for localized transport and business disruptions near gathering sites. Seek alternative routes to circumvent rallies. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately and seek shelter at a safe non-government building. Confirm business appointments, road status, and transport reservations in Colombo. Follow all security and traffic advisories. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation.