17 people have so far been admitted to the National Hospital of Colombo due to sustaining injuries from the assault launched on the GotaGoGama protest ground by pro-government supporters.
Many tents and banners placed at the premises have been burned to the ground.
As of now, police curfew has been imposed to the entire Western Province and Police Special Task Force and Riot have been stationed at the premises.
MIAP
Police curfew has been imposed to several areas of Colombo until due notice amidst the ongoing violence at Galleface as pro-government supporters have begun to attack peaceful anti-government protests at GotaGoGama.
Devotees of the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) who had gathered at Temple Trees in Kollupitiya in support to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa launched an assault on the MainaGoGama and the GotaGoGama, two hypothetical villages established in Colombo in objection to the Rajapaksa-led administration as part of a bigger anti-government struggle in the country.
Supporters of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa are currently attacking the GotaGoGama at GalleFace smashing everything down.
Despite the state of emergency being declared the GotaGoGama is being destroyed by setting properties on fire.
Anti-government protesters allege that the attack is being backed by the Police, indicating state-sponsored terrorism.
MIAP
Pro-government protesters are seen swarming towards the GotaGoGama at GalleFace Ground where the anti-government protests are being held, leading to a tense situation, and it was also noteworthy that the Police did not take any action on preventing these pro-government protesters from behaving violent.
Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa addressing a large gathering at Temple Trees today (09) has announced his decision in response to the much speculated resignation.
“We do not wish to destabilise the country. My policy is to face challenges and overcome challenges. We have no habit of fleeing in the face of challenges. We have set precedents for them.”
“In the face of the economic crisis, the Opposition is pursuing its own political agenda. All they need is power.”
“The Mahanayake Theros and the Cardinal are calling for an all-party government.”
“The President can come to a decision without any hindrance.”
“If a decision is made in the public’s interest, I am ready to make any sacrifice for it.”
“It was the trust you placed in me that brought me into politics.”
“I’m asking you what to do now.”
“We’re ready to come to a decision with you.”
“Motherland first. Motherland second. Motherland third.”
“Suba Anagathayak to you all.”
MIAP
Devotees of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa have launched an assault against journalists near Temple Trees.
Two journalists were beaten during the incident.
Despite the clash being controlled at the moment, the Rajapaksa-devotees arriving at Temple Trees are staging their objection to the journalists covering the story.
All pro-government protesters arriving at Temple Trees are being called inside the premises without being kept inside, correspondents add.
MIAP
The Secretary to the State Ministry of Home Affairs has reportedly instructed all District and Divisional Secretaries to submit a report regarding the public servants who did not report for duty last Friday (06) with involvement in the islandwide Hartal action.
The letter issued to the secretaries reveals that a full report is expected regarding the public servants who reported for duty and not at the level of District and Divisional Secretariats. A form has also been issued in this regard. The letter further instructs that details on staff and non-staff officials be submitted separately.
In the meantime, strong opposition is being raised from the unions in this regard, pointing out that it would be problematic as to being documented in this manner with regard to a hartal movement in the event that no such information has been obtained from any other Ministry or Department in Sri Lanka. This has been informed to the Secretary of the State Ministry of Home Affairs by the Association of Divisional Secretaries and Assistant Divisional Secretaries of Sri Lanka as well.
About 95% of the officers of the District and Divisional Secretariats did not report for duty on the day of the Hartal, the Union added, emphasising that some of the public servants had refrained themselves from reporting for duty, while some were unable to due to transportation difficulties.
MIAP
Devotees of Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa are currently gathering near Temple Treese in Kollupitiya.
These groups demand that the Prime Minister shall not resign.
In the meantime, a large crowd has gathered inside the Temple Trees premises as well, sources said.
Vijitha Herath, Chairman of LITRO Gas urged the public not to wait in gas queues as liquid petroleum gas cannot be released for domestic consumption at the moment.
At present the company’s limited gas supply is only being distributed to essential services and industries, he noted.
As of now, US$ 07 million has been paid for gas imports, the LITRO Chief went on, adding that the company expects to receive stocks on Friday and Saturday.
MIAP
Chairperson of the National Movement for Social Justice (NMSJ) and former Speaker Deshabandu Karu Jayasuriya has been awarded the ‘Highest Award of Honour For Great Leaders In South Asia,’ in appreciation of his achievement of peace, development and democracy for the people as a brave committed peoples leader in his role as the Honourable Speaker of the Parliament of the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and as an Honorary Patron of ‘SUNFO Global Federation,’ in compliance with the ‘UN Sustainable Development Goals Action Decade.’
The international award has been granted to the former Speaker in Colombo yesterday (08).
Prior to this achievement, Jayasuriya has received many global awards among which is the Rising Sun Award which is the highest award given by the Government of Japan to individuals who have rendered outstanding service in the fields of international relations, cultural promotion, welfare and development.
MIAP
