4. Conclusions It is evident from the narration of facts alone, in the Rambukkana incident, that there was an arbitrary and illegal exceeding of police powers in the context of a peaceful protest by Sri Lankan citizens. The events that follow demonstrate the enormity of the challenges faced by those affected in terms of bearing witness to the event, even before court. The failure to swiftly take measures to provide protection to victims and witnesses, to respond in a timely manner to assist in recovery and instil a sense of security and safety amongst the people who experienced the violence, and to take and be seen to be taking measures to hold those responsible accountable are monumental failures by the State of its responsibility towards its citizens. The impunity that is extended by these failures is part of a culture of insecurity that peaceful protestors experience every day. SLCAT observes that a climate of intimidation and repression has been deliberately created in the many actions by the police, and at times the military, in their response to peaceful protests. SLCAT calls on the government of Sri Lanka to take immediate steps to ensure the safety of peaceful protestors in the country and to facilitate peaceful protests. As the economic crisis intensifies, protests are likely to escalate as people demand their basic human rights such as right food, health and an adequate standard of living including having access to fuel, cooking gas and medicines. Protests themselves may cause annoyance or disturbance, but it is the duty of the state to protect the freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. The state must also ensure accountability for the unleashing disproportionate use of force and violence in the incidents described in this report. Due process, without delays, and fair trial must be followed in each instance. Finally, it is the duty of the state to protect, promote and guarantee the basic economic rights of the people in terms of its international human rights obligations. The people’s right to protest is being exercised due to the failure of the state to guarantee basicsocial and economic rights. Therefore, the state must, as a matter of priority, ensure that the basic human rights of its people, are guaranteed and protected. 26