Massive protest launched outside UN compound in Sri Lanka capital

Sri Lanka's National Freedom Front (NFF) leader and Housing, Construction and Engineering Services Minister Wimal Weerawansa has led thousands of demonstrators to the United Nations compound in Colombo to protest against the organization's alleged interference in the country's affairs.


Over 1,000 NFF protestors gathered outside the UN office in Colombo and some have even climbed the parapet wall to protest against the appointment of an expert panel by the UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon.

The demonstrators commenced the protest march from Hyde Park at 10:00 a.m. today and marched towards the UN Compound at Bullers Road, Colombo.

The protestors have set up a stage blocking the entrance to the compound and begun a hunger strike at the premises, sources said.

Weerawansa last week called on the public to protest against the UN move to appoint a panel of experts on Sri Lanka by surrounding the UN Compound in Colombo and taking its staff hostage.

UN officials raised concerns over the Minister's threat last week with the authorities in Colombo and the Sri Lankan government had assured that it was not government's policy but an individual opinion.

The UN chief last month appointed a three-member Panel of Experts chaired by Marzuki Darusman, a former Attorney General of Indonesia to advise him on Sri Lanka's accountability issues regarding any alleged violations of human rights and humanitarian law during the last stage of the three-decade long conflict.

Sri Lankan government had vehemently opposed the UN's move to appoint the advisory panel on the basis that infringes on the country' sovereignty. However, the UN Chief had dismissed the Sri Lankan government's objections.