A protest organised by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya against the current government will be held at Hyde Park, Colombo today at 2pm.
The protest is organised against the government’s actions, including the increase in the cost of living, shortage of fertiliser, selling of state property to foreign entities and other government actions.
Parliamentarian Tissa Attanayake speaking to NewsRadio said the farmers’ issues including fertiliser, the rising cost of living, and exorbitant prices of goods will be protested today.
MP Attanayake accused the government of failing to consider people’s grievances adding that a government is responsible for protecting its people.
Therefore, the MP said they will hold the anti-government protest in Colombo today to raise their voice against government inaction.
He claimed that various groups are attempting to raise obstacles and objections to the conduct of today’s protest, adding the opposition will not be phased by such measures.
He also stated the government is attempting to spread a notion that the protest is focused on spreading the coronavirus among the public.
MP Attanayake said all individuals attending the protest have been requested to follow health guidelines today. He accused the government of using the coronavirus to suppress people’s voices.
MP Attanayake said the government visited many Courts yesterday seeking orders to block the protest claiming the protest is focused on trying to violate COVID-regulations.
The MP said Courts rejected all requests and highlighted that there are no legal obstacles in public gatherings and protests.
He vowed that the protest will be conducted in accordance with all health guidelines.
