Angry scenes as police turn back supporters heading to Colombo SJB protest

Police have taken steps to turn back those coming from outstations to participate in today's protest organised by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) in Colombo. 

Police had set up road blocks in many districts from morning and have been turning back those attempting to make their way to Colombo to take part in the protest. 

There were angry scenes in many instances when police prevented those trying to travel to Colombo for the protest. SJB politicians and supporters vehemently objected to police actions. In some areas, those who were stopped by police from traveling to Colombo staged sit-ins on the main road blocking traffic demanding that they be allowed to proceed. However, they were prevented from doing so. 

Yesterday, police obtained court orders from some courts preventing the SJB from holding protest rallies, but other courts refused police requests to grant such orders. 

Accordingly, the Hulftsdorp Magistrate’s Court 05, Mahara Magistrate’s Court 01 & 02, Kaduwela Magistrate’s Court and the Homagama Magistrate’s Court have issued orders preventing the protest organised by the SJB.

But, the Colombo Chief Magistrate Courts, the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court, and the Gangodawila Magistrate’s Court have rejected the requests by the Police.

However, the SJB protest march in Colombo is currently going ahead. Protesters are making their way towards the Presidential Secretariat. Heavy traffic currently prevails in the Kollupitiya area as protesters march in Colombo. 

Pictures show angry scenes in Benthota and Kalaoya earlier today as police prevented SJB supporters and politicians from making their way to Colombo to participate in the protest. 

Pix by Thusitha Kumara De Silva and Hiran Priyankara Jayasinghe