(VIDEO) SJB protest against Government underway in Colombo & other cities

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka’s main opposition faction the Samagi Jana Balavegaya launched a massive protest in Colombo, with supporters from many parts of the country.

It was reported that supporters from several areas were turned back from provincial borders by Sri Lanka Police, who say the action to prevent them from proceeding was taken in accordance with the notification issued by the Director-General of Health Services.

Sri Lanka Police made requests from multiple courts on Monday (15) seeking an order to prevent the protest organized by the Samagi Jana Balavegaya on Tuesday (16) in Colombo.

The Fort Magistrate’s Court rejected a request made by the Slave Island Police to issue an order preventing the Samagi Jana Balavegaya from holding a protest rally at Hyde Park, Colombo.

Requests made from the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court and the Mount Lavinia Additional Magistrate were also rejected.

However, the Thalangama, Malabe, and Mirihana Police obtained orders from the Kaduwela and Nugegoda Magistrate’s Court preventing the protest from taking place on Tuesday (16).

Sri Lanka Police said the orders were obtained from the court in accordance with the circular issued by the Director-General of Health Services.

In addition, the Police Media Unit noted that similar orders against the protest were obtained from the Hultsdorf Number 5 Magistrate’s Court, the Mahara Number 1 & Number 2 Magistrate’s Courts, and the Homagama Magistrate’s Court.

"We are following the necessary health guidelines laid out. I ask the Police Chief, to take necessary actions against those who go against the law and play along to the Government's tune as we are ready to take the protest islandwide. We will take this matter to an international level as well," said Ranjith Madduma Bandara, the General Secretary of the Samagi Jana Balavegaya.

"We would like to request innocent police officers not to be influenced by those at the top for their benefit. Work according to your conscience. What we are doing today is taking your struggle forward. You face all the issues we have mentioned here. The people have a hard time living off the salary they earn for a month and a day. Today is the day to express your dissatisfaction," said SJB MP Harin Fernando.