Chief Magistrate and two other Magistrates refuse to accede to a Police request while several other Magistrates have permitted preventing SJB protests.

November 15, 2021

A request made by the Police to issue a court order directing the activists attached to the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) to adhere with the Health Guidelines issued by Director General of Health Services if they are carrying out a Protest at Keselwatta area in Colombo tomorrow (16), was today rejected by the Colombo Chief Magistrate's Court. While refusing to issue an order as requested by police, Chief Magistrate Buddhika C. Ragala observed that there is no sufficient material before Court to support the claim that this protest will be definitely held in Keselwatta police area. The Chief Magistrate further observed that the guidelines issued by the Director General of Health Services do not specify the numbers or percentage of people who can attend a public rally. Deputy Solicitor General Dileep Peiris appearing for police told court that police have received information that a group SJB activists including the leader of the SJB Sajith Premadasa, its secretary Ranjith Maddumabandara and MP Mujibur Rahuman were preparing to organise a protest in the Keselwatta area. He further told court that spreading of COVID-19 could be intensified through such a public gathering being held in violation of health guidelines. Maligakanda and Gangodawila Magistrate Courts have also rejected the Police request to ban SJB protests. However several other Magistrates have issued orders preventing SJB from holding protests they are Hulftsdorp No 5, Mahara 1&2, Kaduweala and Homagama Magistrates courts.

Chief Magistrate and two other Magistrates refuse to accede to a Police request while several other Magistrates have permitted preventing SJB protests.

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