Politicians speak on the impact of protests

COLOMBO (News 1st) - 'Protests' was a topic discussed at today's (June 20) cabinet media briefing. Joint Cabinet Spokesperson, Minister Rajitha Senaratne, said action needs to be taken with regard to protests or every day there will be someone protesting on the streets. When a journalist questioned about the proposal made by the prime minister to have a special location for protests and demonstrations, Minister Senaratne said proposals were made but they weren't implemented. Meanwhile, Speaker Karu Jayasuriya speaking at an event at Temple Trees also commented on the disturbances caused by protests. The speaker said the highest number of protests in the world take place in Sri Lanka. "There are protests day after day or there will be five separate protests on one particular day, Speaker Jayasuriya said, "If there is an issue in a village, a group will come together cut down two trees, set fire to tires and protest. Then the road will be closed. This is where we need to speak of citizen's rights." He went on to say as a result of protests patients die, some people miss their flights, and investors and tourists don't come into the country.