SJB, JVP defy curfew and protest

By Rathindra Kuruwita 

Several political parties held demonstrations yesterday (03) in defiance of the curfew in force.

Hundreds of supporters of the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) held a demonstration near Independence Square, where the police and STF were deployed in large numbers.

The protests were led by Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa.

MPs Patali Champika Ranawaka, Harsha de Silva, Kabir Hashim, Mano Ganesan and several other parliamentarians. The SJB supporters chanted ‘Go home Gota’ as they approached the barricades. The MPs urged the police to let them hold a demonstration opposite the statue of DS Senanayake.

“We have the freedom to go to the Independence Square. We need to hold a demonstration opposite the statue of the Father of Sri Lankan independence. You are here to protect the people, not to protect a family. People can’t live. This is a peaceful demonstration. We assure you that there will be no violence,” OSpposition leader Sajith Premadasa told the Police.

He added that the sudden imposition of curfew had disrupted public life. There were practical tests for the GCE A/L examination and student, he said. “Because of the social media ban people who run online businesses were affected. “Why is there a curfew? Is there a threat to national security? A tsunami? The curfew was imposed to save the Rajapaksas from public anger,” he said.

Meanwhile, MP Patali Champika Ranawaka said that the police could not stop MPs from exercising their rights.

“Obstructing an MP like this can land you in jail. You are violating the constitution. Don’t forget Gota will run away to America and you will have to face the consequences of your illegal actions, he said.

The Jathika Jana Balawegaya (JJB) also held a demonstration at Maharagama  against the high cost of food, power outages, demanding the immediate release of protestors and halting the sale of state assets to India and the US.

Former MP K. D. Lala Kantha said, “Gota has to go home. Let someone who can run the country do it. There are many serious issues and the government has no answer. The curfew was imposed to stop mass protests today,” he said.

Meanwhile, JJB MP, Harini Amarasuriya said that the people no longer trusted the government and that the President no longer had any right to stay in power.