Court Orders Immediate Arrests Over Unauthorized Sound System at Gnanasara Protest

COLOMBO (News 1st); The Colombo Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva has ordered the Cinnamon Gardens Police to immediately arrest suspects who allegedly used sound amplification equipment without a lawful permit during a protest held at the Viharamahadevi Park premises demanding the release of Bodu Bala Sena General Secretary Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thero, who is currently serving a prison sentence.

Officers of the Cinnamon Gardens Police, appearing before court on behalf of the complainant, informed the court that monks and civil activists who had been staying at Viharamahadevi Park continued their protest despite court orders. They further stated that sound amplification equipment had been used during the protest without any lawful approval or licence.

Police officers also informed the court that investigations into the incident have already commenced.

After considering the submissions made before court, the Additional Magistrate ordered the police to arrest those responsible for using sound amplification equipment without a licence.

The Magistrate further instructed the Cinnamon Gardens Police to promptly report the progress of the investigations to court.

The order was issued after facts relating to the incident were presented before court following a complaint lodged by Cinnamon Gardens Police Officer-in-Charge, Chief Inspector Sagara Dayaratne.