The ‘Lawyers For Democracy’ movement has stated that the Sri Lankan government’s measure to issue a special permit for foreigners to visit the northern part of Sri Lanka, deprives the people of the north of their fundamental rights.

Issuing a statement to media the lawyers association has said the people of North have a right to live free and their relatives who are living in foreign countries should have unhindered access to them.

The statement added that there is no reason to ‘ban’ a particular region, especially in a country which boasts of its democracy.

“The ban not only reflects on the fundamental rights of the people of the North but directly affects the tourism sector of the country. There is absolutely no need to take such a risk”, the statement asserted.

Meanwhile, speaking to BBC Sandeshaya, lawyer Lal Wijeynayake of the Lawyers For Democracy organization stated that it is unwise to take such a decision during a crucial time for the country. “It hinders the development of the country as well”, he said.

Wijeynayake pointed that such regulations create uncertainty in the minds of foreigners’ and that would give rise to rumours about the country.  

The lawyer maintained that some countries have already taken steps to warn their citizen that Sri Lanka is an unsafe destination to travel.