Heavy police presence in Colombo ahead of protests

COLOMBO (News 1st) – Heavy police presence was witnessed since morning on Wednesday (2) in Colombo ahead of the mass protest planned by multiple groups including political parties.Trade Unions, Students Movements, supported by political parties will march from Maradana to Fort, where a rally will take place against state suppression.The Samagi Jana Balavegaya, Sri Lanka Freedom Party, Frontline Socialists Party, Tamil National Alliance, 43rd Brigade, Freedom People's Congress among 20 political parties, and over 150 trade unions and mass organizations will take part in the protest.Police says NO permission:Sri Lanka Police has issued a letter informing the various protest groups – including students, trade, and political bodies – who planned to protest in Colombo on Wednesday (2), stating that permission will not be granted to protest opposite the Fort Railway Station or in close proximity.The letter bears the signature of Colombo Central Division 1 Police Superintendent K.

A. E. N Dilruk and police officers visited the offices and residences of the protest groups early on Wednesday (2) to hand over the letter.Sri Lanka Police confirmed that such a letter was dispatched.The letter goes on to state that during the period of the planned protest roads in Colombo may be blocked, and therefore it may pose obstructions to the public and private office staff who are heading home after work, and the wholesale trading in Fort, and Pettah.It added that traffic congestion caused by the protest would also delay the shipping of freight containers expected to reach Colombo from the Biyagama, Wathupitiwala, and Kandy Economic Zones and thus impacting the country's economy as well.The letter from the Police Superintendent also added.