Ahead of Saturday’s protests, IGP warns violence will not be tolerated

Amidst preparations for a major protest campaign on Saturday demanding President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to step down from office the Inspector General of Police C.D.Wickremaratne has warned that violence will not be tolerated.
 
The IGP’s warning came amidst a build-up to the protest campaigns to be launched on Saturday.
 
The IGP said that the police will always respect the right to protest guaranteed under the Constitution and will take all steps to protect their rights. He said that the Police stations have been informed about the protection of the rights.
 
He said measures should also be taken to protect the rights of others during protests.  He also appealed to protect public and private property and all personnel who have been officially deployed for duties.
 

The IGP said that the police cannot ignore any attempts of persons acting violently and damaging property under the guise of having protest campaigns.
 
The warning came hours after an attempt by the Fort Police station to seek a court order banning protests around the Fort area on July 8 and 9 was turned down.
 
Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara making submissions on behalf of the court said that according to the police there were number of groups who have planned protest campaigns in the Fort area in the next two days and called for a ban on protests.
 
President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, Saliya Peiris, PC said that such an order could also affect the rights of ordinary persons.
 
However, Colombo Additional Magistrate Keminda Perera said that the Police have sufficient powers to take action against those who act in a manner violating the laws.
 
Several organisations and political parties have been carrying out a strong campaign calling for people to gather on July 9 for the protest campaign around the Fort area. 
  
The Federation of the University of Teachers on Thursday organized a cycle parade from Nugegoda calling people to join the protest campaign with the theme of calling President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to step down. 
 
Several trade unions also have backed the campaign.