21 protesters released on bail

Protesters who were arrested by the Police and the Special Task Force (STF) for blocking the entrance to the Finance Ministry and the Presidential Secretariat were ordered to be released on bail by the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court.  

The demonstrators were released on surety bail of Rs. 500,000 each. Twenty-one people, including a Buddhist monk, were brought before Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilana Gamage when the matter was heard. 

The police informed the Magistrate that the Treasury Secretary's meeting with officials from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) scheduled for this morning had been interrupted due to the protest. 

"Today morning, protesters used makeshift tents to block both gates, continuing their demonstration. The protest had an impact on government officials reporting to essential services and tasks at the ministry, secretariat, and the general public," police told the magistrate.

Since last night, protesters from the Galle Face Green have blocked the two gates from the Lotus Road to the Finance Ministry and the Presidential Secretariat.