SJB protests against violation of Freedom of Expression

COLOMBO (News 1st): The Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) protested on Thursday (July 08) against the government's attempts to downplay the issues faced by the general public, by citing quarantine rules and regulations. Several members of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya staged a protest at the Parliamentary roundabout by displaying placards against the government's attempts to prevent protests and suppression of media organisations in the country. The protest was conducted whilst adhering to the COVID-19 quarantine regulations. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa emphasized that every citizen is entitled to the Human Rights enshrined under the Constitution of Sri Lanka. "No government nor any individual can suppress the human rights enshrined under the constitution, which every citizen is entitled to," Sajith Premadasa, the Leader of the Opposition and the Samagi Jana Balavegaya (SJB) stressed. Thereby, the Opposition Leader reminded the citizens that they are entitled to express their opinion at demonstrations along the street, whilst adhering to COVID-19 health guidelines. Meanwhile, Samagi Jana Balavegaya Member of Parliament, Dr. Rajitha Senaratne raised concerns regarding the decision to permit the operation of Spas whilst prohibiting protests. "Permission has been granted for Spas to open. They are okay with bodily contact of people at Spas, but they are against people staging protests," SJB MP Dr. Rajith Senaratne pointed out. Meanwhile, Samagi Jana Balavegaya Member of Parliament, Mano Ganesan raised issues related to the MV X-PRESS PEARL disaster and noted, "Because of the X-PRESS PEARL, fishermen are helpless today, while estate workers are facing difficulties due to false promises." Also attending the protest was Samagi Jana Balavegaya Member of Parliament, Nalin Bandara who challenged the authorities to arrest them if possible. "They have issued orders and arrested Social Activists and innocent people. We challenge them today, if you are brave enough, come arrest us," SJB MP Nalin Bandara stressed. Samagi Jana Balavegaya Member of Parliament, Mujibur Rahuman queried on what grounds can the Director-General of Health Services order the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to impose regulations. "The Director-General of Health Services at the Health Ministry had written a letter addressed to the IGP. He doesn't hold any such power to impose regulations in this manner. Such regulations must be approved in parliament," SJB MP Mujibur Rahuman pointed out.