“Protest in Colombo demanding justice for Chemmani”

20-Jul-2025

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Organizations including Justice for the People and various civil society groups held a demonstration in front of Colombo Fort Railway Station, demanding justice for Chemmani and protesting against her community massacre. 

When protesters attempted to march toward the Presidential Secretariat, police blocked their path, leading to heated arguments between the demonstrators and the officers.

Participants questioned: “How can justice be expected when the government obstructs peaceful demonstrations demanding justice?” 

They held banners demanding repeal of the Terrorism Act, release of Batalanda reports, justice for Chemmani, recognition of Tamil genocide, disclosure of mass graves in northern and eastern Sri Lanka, and accountability for crimes against humanity.

When protesters again attempted to proceed toward the Presidential Secretariat chanting “Stand up for justice for Chemmani,” police halted the march, explaining they had not granted permission and allowing it would disrupt traffic. 

Arguments ensued as protesters, led by Joseph Stalin of the Lankan Teachers’ Union, insisted they intended a peaceful protest and requested permission to proceed. 

Meanwhile, police offered to let them march on the sidewalk but not closer to the Secretariat.

As police continued their blockade, protesters responded by chanting “Police lawlessness.” Unable to advance, they returned to the railway station entrance, renewing their calls for “Justice for the mass grave of Chemmani.” 

They reiterated that the government cannot be trusted to deliver justice for Chemmani's atrocity, asking, “When peaceful protest is obstructed, how can justice ever be achieved?”