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Isolated protests across the country mark Independence Day
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A protest organised by the FSP in Haputhale. Pic by Nayanannda Buwaneka
Sporadic protests were held yesterday in Colombo and outstation areas, coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Independence. One of the main protests was held by the Inter University Student Federation (IUSF).
IUSF Convener Wasantha Mudalige said the protest started near Sri Jayewardenepura University. He said their initial plan was to march towards Colombo city.
However, the protest which began at around 2.00 pm, with a strength of around 1000 university students, remained at Wijerama junction in Colombo 7, after the Police blocked the road with barricades. Around 1000 Army and Police officials were deployed to control the situation.
Meanwhile in Nugegoda, the Gangodawila Magistrate Court issued a court order prohibiting the conduct of protests and marches as they were a nuisance to the people.
Protest march from Jaffna to Batticaloa. Pic by Romesh Madushanka
According to a Police request, the order was issued to Wasantha Mudalige and Inter University Bikku Balamandala Convener Galwewa Siridhamma thera.
Silent protests were also held at the Diyatha Uyana area. Aragalaya activists expressed their displeasure over the Independence celebration while the country was facing political, social and economic crises.
Meanwhile a group of Catholic nuns also carryied out a silent protest at Fatima church in Colombo 10. They held banners that read “After all is stolen, looted, destroyed and lost now only freedom can be left.” They also held banners that read “Freedom belongs to citizens, not to the rulers.”
On Friday, Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage issued an order preventing 27 individuals from obstructing roads towards Galle Face, while the country celebrated its 75th Independence Day. These individuals included Ceylon Teachers Union (CTU) General Secretary Joseph Stalin and Frontline Socialist Party (FSP) activist Duminda Nawagamuwa.
Silent protest outside Fatima church in Colombo 10. Pic by Indika Handuwala
Despite the orders, a peaceful “sathyagraha” protest was held at the Elphinstone Theatre in Colombo 10 on Friday evening. However, late on Friday night Police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the crowds gathered.
However, former IUSF Convener Lahiru Weerasekara claimed an unidentified group was used to disperse the protestors. The Police said protestors refused to leave the area even after they announced the court order, and a heated situation arose when they urged protestors to disperse. The officers said four arrested protesters, including a woman, were produced before the Maligakanda magistrate court.
Protests were also held in suburbs and outskirts of Colombo, as groups of people expressed their displeasure over the lavish spending for this year’s Independence celebration.
Silent protest near Diyatha Uyana. Pic by Akila Jayawardana
Jaffna University students also held protests today morning in front of the university premises, the Jaffna public library and district secretariat office, expressing their displeasure over the grand Independence Day celebration, despite the country’s prevailing situation. They marched from Jaffna to Batticaloa as a part of their protest campaign. Black flags were hoisted in the Jaffna university premises.
Estate workers in Hatton too held a peaceful protest expressing their displeasure over the lavish Independence Day celebration.
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