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On 22 July, The Security Forces raid at Galle Face Greene, the major protest site in Sri Lanka near Presidential Secretariat in Colombo early in the morning, less than 24 hours after new President was sworn in as the new Head State. The pre-dawn raid was jointly launched by the Army, the Police and the Special task Force.

The Forces destroyed tents at the Gotagogama protest site, arrested several protest leaders and cordoned off the area together with about hundreds protesters. As troops swept in the Galle Face Greene protest site, the protesters were asked to the entrance to the Presidential Secretariat. The Security forces warned to arrest the protesters under provisions of emergency laws if they clash with the troops.

Tensions escalated as the forces removed the protesters from the premises and nine people were placed under by the police, two of them have sustained injuries. At least 50 protesters were injured, including some journalists who were beaten by security forces. The troops taken over the entrance and area surrounding the Presidential Secretariat. The protesters had already announced their intention to withdraw from the official places .

• The raid on Sri Lanka’s major protest site, Gotagogama Galle Face Greene,on 22 July morning has alarmed Ambassadors and High commissioners in the county.

“ Very Concerned about reports from the Galle Face protest site. We have made clear the importance of the right peaceful protest”, the British High commissioner to Sri Lanka Sarah Hulton said.

“ Hearing what is happening at Galle Face protest site. Not sure why this is happening now. It is crucial the authorities act with restraint and avoid violence”, Canadian High commissioner David Mckinnon said.

“ Deeply concerned about actions taken against protesters at Galle Face in the middle of the night. We urge restraint by authorities &immediate access to medical attention for those injured”, US Ambassador Julie Chung said.