"Jana Balaya Kolambata" takes over Lakehouse roundabout

Colombo (News 1st) - The protest march organized by the joint opposition titled "Jana Balaya Kolambata" was held at the lake house roundabout today (Sept 5). The location of the Joint opposition rally was not revealed until this afternoon. Traffic in the Colombo city was lighter than usual in anticipation of the rally. There was a low turnout of students and office employees in the Colombo city and many employees were seen leaving the Colombo city by this afternoon. Following a meeting held at 2 pm, the Joint opposition announced the location of the Protest. Groups of protesters that arrived along the Galle road, from Townhall, Maradana, Maligawatta and other areas converged opposite the sacred bo tree in Pettah and marched to the lakehouse roundabout. Convener of the Left Centre, Chameera Perera believes that this rally was organised by Joint opposition members who were agitated by the recent flurry of action by the Government in the legal arena. He believes this was an attempt to secure their release from the judiciary and legal procedures. According to Chameera Perera, organisers brought in Rajapaksa followers from around the country to protect their "King and his princes." Chameera reminded the general public that there has been a number of cases filed against members of the Rajapaksa family by the FCID and individuals such as Gotabaya, Basil and Namal are facing numerous indictments. "We urge the government not to be intimidated by this and make decisions and take necessary judicial & legal actions," Chameera stated. Deputy Leader of the UNP Minister Sajith Premadasa after laying the foundation stone to construct a bridge across the Walawe river in the Suriyawewa Hambanthota today (September 05) spoke about the protest in Colombo. He stated that there will be a time to elect the President and the Prime Minister and that bringing people to Colombo and protesting to topple a government will not achieve anything. He stated that today is not the day for a change in government and that it will come during the latter part of 2019. Minister Sajith Premadasa stated that State power cannot be transferred, simply by bringing people down after promising to provide them with alcohol. General Secretary of the UNP, Minister Akila Viraj Kariyawasam compared the actions of the JO to that of the LTTE. He stated that at the height of power the LTTE took advantage of the people to fulfill their personal motives, adding that the SLPP's actions were similar in nature. Minister Akila Viraj states that the SLPP is trying to use the general public for their own whims and fancies. He goes on saying that the Special high court will fasten the court proceedings and the Rajapakse's are afraid of these court cases and that is why they brought people to Colombo. Kariyawasam stated that the SLPP would not be able to influence the Government or the judiciary by such actions.