13 arrested for booing MPs, but granted bail

The police yesterday arrested 13 persons for protesting near the Parliament. They shouted at vehicles carrying lawmakers to attend parliamentary proceedings. Tourism and Public Security Minister Prasanna Ranatunga told the House that they had been arrested as they hooted at the MPs and attempted to harass them.

Minister Ranatunga told Parliament that they would be produced in court. The Minister said it had been agreed at the party leaders meeting that the MPs should be allowed to move freely.

He said the IGP had been instructed to take steps to ensure free movement of MPs following the request of the Party leaders and the Speaker.

However, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa said a group of youth who had come to hand over a letter to the Speaker had been arrested on their return.

The SJB leader said it was unlawful and urged the Speaker to have the youth in custody released. The protestors were granted personal bail by the Kaduwela Magistrate.