In a backdrop of large-scale protests being organised on Saturday (9), Police curfew was imposed in several Police divisions in the Western Province with effect from 9:00 p.m. on Friday (8), until further notice.
Police Headquarters said curfew will be imposed in Negombo, Kelaniya, Nugegoda, Mt. Lavinia, Colombo North, Colombo South, and Colombo Central Police Divisions.
Police advised the public to stay at home, as travelling between Police divisions is strictly prohibited. The public may use alternative routes.
Further, Police will take strict action against those who break the curfew, considering that it will be an obstacle to maintain law and order.
Meanwhile, several protests were held islandwide demanding President Gotabaya Rajapaksa to resign immediately.
The Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF) organised a protest from the University of Kelaniya to the GotaGoGama protest site at Galle Face. Police used tear gas to disperse the protesters at Chatham Street. However, the protest continued. The IUSF said they will stay in Colombo on Friday (8) night to hold another protest on Saturday (9).
In the meantime, Colombo Chief Magistrate Nandana Amarasinghe on Friday (8) dismissed a request of the Cinnamon Gardens Police, to issue a Restraining Order to prevent IUSF protestors from entering a few roads in the Cinnamon Gardens Police Area.
The Court instructed the Police to use its powers at its discretion, if any acts of violence are committed by those engaging in the protest demonstration.
Similar requests were made to the Colombo Additional Magistrate’s Court by Kollupitiya Police and the Maligawatta Police, which were also dismissed.
Further, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court on Thursday (7) refused to issue a Restraining Order to prevent protestors from entering the area close to the President’s House in Fort on Friday (8) and Saturday (9).
By Methmalie Dissanayake and Hansi Nanayakkara
