Jan 27, Colombo: A lawyers' association in Sri Lanka has condemned what it terms as tactics used by the government and its agents to disregard the fundamental rights of a citizens to conduct peaceful protests in the country.

Lawyers for Democracy (LfD) has urged the Sri Lankan government to respect the Right to Peaceful Assembly.

Issuing a statement on the government's move to prevent the Black January protest organized by the media on the 25th, LfD has condemned the use of deplorable strong armed tactics to prevent a lawful protest rally organized by media groups.

The protest rally was organized by several media groups to highlight the challenging conditions faced by media personnel in Sri Lanka and to mark the death and disappearances of several colleagues who were either killed or disappeared in the month of January.

Media reports claimed that government backed protestors were transported at the instance of government to the vicinity of the Fort Railway station, close to the time when the media demonstration was to commence.

"In light of the security threats, the media groups had to change the location of the protest rally with short notice," LfD states.

"LfD reiterates that the Constitution of Sri Lanka guarantees the freedom of peaceful assembly. All public organs of the state including the police and judiciary are expected to respect, secure and advance the fundamental rights guaranteed to its citizens," the association states.

However, LfD has urged the Sri Lankan government to respect its constitutional obligations and commitment to respect freedom of expression and peaceful assembly and prevent the repeat of such events in the future.