January 12, Colombo (LNW): A magistrate’s court has stepped in to regulate a demonstration held outside the Ministry of Education in Battaramulla, placing restrictions on a group of activists who began a sit-in protest there on Wednesday morning.
The Kaduwela Magistrate issued an injunction directed at several civil organisation figures, among them National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa, after concerns were raised about disruption in the vicinity of the Isurupaya complex.
Under the order, demonstrators are barred from blocking nearby roads and are prohibited from using loudspeakers or other sound equipment while the GCE Advanced Level examinations are under way.
Despite the legal limitations, the group continued their symbolic “Satyagraha” protest in front of the ministry, maintaining a constant presence from the early hours of the day. Participants said their action was intended to draw attention to what they describe as serious flaws in the government’s proposed education reforms.
Those gathered also called for Prime Minister Dr Harini Amarasuriya to relinquish her role as Education Minister, arguing that a change in leadership is needed to protect students and the wider education system. Police were seen monitoring the area as candidates made their way to examination centres nearby.
