The Parliament's Sectoral Oversight Committee on National Security has put forth a recommendation urging US Ambassador Julie Chung to exercise caution and abstain from making statements concerning Sri Lanka's internal affairs in the future. This proposal follows the ambassador's remarks related to the incidents of May 9, 2022.

The Committee recently convened at the Parliament complex, bringing together members of the Committee, the Defense Secretary, the three forces commanders, the Police Chief, and other government officials to discuss national security matters.

In a letter directed to the State Defense Minister, Chairman of the Sectoral Oversight Committee and Retired Rear Admiral Sarath Weerasekera, who is also a Member of Parliament, expressed his concern regarding the statements made by the US ambassador in reference to the said incident.

Ambassador Julie Chung had called for a transparent investigation into the shooting of unarmed protesters and emphasized the importance of safeguarding the people's right to peaceful protest.

Rear Admiral Weerasekera raised questions about the ambassador's understanding of whether actions such as burning tires, blocking highways and railway lines, destroying petrol stations, slashing tires of oil bowsers, and throwing stones at the police could be considered part of a peaceful protest. He asserted that the ambassador, as an adult, should possess this comprehension.

Furthermore, Rear Admiral Weerasekera expressed doubts about the rights of individuals to issue statements regarding the rights of peaceful protest. He argued that by stating that "Police shoot unarmed protestors," the ambassador, who is currently residing in Sri Lanka, is conveying a highly unfavorable message about the country to the rest of the world.