Protests will go ahead as planned on Tuesday (16) - Samagi Jana Balavegaya

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Samagi Jana Balavegaya, the main opposition in Sri Lanka, says it will go ahead with its massive protest campaign planned for Tuesday (16).

SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara a large crowd will come to Colombo and the protest will not be canceled.

"We are not afraid of the government's suppressive efforts," he told reporters on Monday (15).

At the same time, Dr. Rajith Senaratne said the people will join with the Samagi Jana Balavegaya in its protest on Tuesday (16), as the people have no alternative against the rising cost of living.

He said local police is being used to inform local politicians about COVID-19 guidelines, adding that police informed them that the Director-General of Health Services has prohibited events, without his approval.

Dr. Senaratne said the respective gazette was in fact issued on the Director-General of Health Services and not Sri Lanka Police, adding that as per the directives, it appears the local health officials are expected to perform the duties of the police, while the police take charge of COVID prevention.

"Sir is afraid," he added.

SJB MP S. M. Marikkar said the political henchmen who did not lock down the country when the third COVID wave emerged with a high death toll, are the very people who use gazettes to prevent gatherings.

"We have no intention of seizing power at this moment," he said adding that the SJB will secure power via the ballot.

He noted that the protests planned for Tuesday (16) will highlight the plight of the people, in present-day Sri Lanka, adding that no one can stop people from exercising their right to assembly.

" How did the SLPP have their convention? How are people moving about in public transport? How are unvaccinated kids being brought to school? How can the President grace the Katin Ceremony with a large crowd? How did the UNP stage protests?" he questioned.

SJB MP Harin Fernando stated," Sir is afraid. We will be in Colombo on Tuesday (16)."

He called on the lower ranks of Sri Lanka Police to stand firm.