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Magistrate rejects police request to issue notice on protest organisers
The Welimada Magistrate’s Court has rejected a request by Police to issue notice on five people, including All Ceylon Farmers’ Federation National Organiser Namal Karunaratne and former Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) Provincial Councilor Samantha Vidyarathna, for organising a farmers’ protest over the fertiliser crisis, in violation of quarantine laws.
The Bogahakumbura Police had requested court to issue notice on the individuals to present themselves before the Bogahakumbura Police station over their role in organising a farmers’ protest over the fertiliser crisis. The Police made the request after they arrested and produced in court five other individuals who had allegedly assisted in organising the protest.
Welimada Magistrate Pasanna Jayasekara rejected the request made by Police, noting that such notice was unnecessary as Police could arrest the suspects and produce them in court under existing laws.
The five individuals who were arrested and produced before court yesterday were accused of being members of an unlawful assembly and holding an illegal meeting in violation of quarantine laws. They were released on Rs 100,000 personal bail each. The case was postponed till September 6.
Farmers have been protesting across the country in recent weeks over the severe shortage of fertiliser in many areas.