Law enforcement operations should uphold rule of law: Julie Chung

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has stated that the United States shares the concerns expressed by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL)

US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has stated that the United States shares the concerns expressed by the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka (HRCSL) and the Bar Association of Sri Lanka (BASL) with regards to the ongoing antidrug operation ‘Yukthiya’.

While acknowledging that combatting drug trafficking is essential, Ambassador Chung noted that it remains crucial that law enforcement operations uphold the principles of the rule of law and its due process.

“Striking that balance is vital for justice and maintaining public trust”, she said in this regard.

On 08 January, the HRCSL released a statement on Operation ‘Yukthiya’, raising concerns that the operation has become associated with reports of widespread injustice, making its very title ‘Yukthiya’ (meaning ‘justice), a “misnomer”.