13 protesters arrested near Parliament for staging a protest this afternoon have been released on bail.
This was when the 13 suspects were produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate Court this (04) evening.
Accordingly, all 13 protesters have been released on personal bail.
It was also noteworthy that a massive number of lawyers appeared in Court on behalf of the protesters.
MIAP
The United States has expressed its concern over the arresting of peaceful protesters outside the Parliament entrance.
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung said the freedom to engage in peaceful protest without fear of arrest is fundamental to democracy, sharing her views on the tense situation occurred near the Parliament complex this (04) afternoon.
The US, therefore, urges restraint on all sides and reiterates its support for the rights of peaceful protesters, the Ambassador emphasised in a tweet.
MIAP
The Kaduwela Magistrate Court today (04) denied a request by Police for an order barring protests from taking place near Parliament tomorrow and the day after.
The Police’s request to issue an order barring the protests from taking place was illegal and unconstitutional, counsels appearing for the respondents pointed out.
The state party’s interpretation of such protests being a hindrance to the MPs’ privilege to enter Parliament was ruled inaccurate.
MIAP
Colombo Additional Magistrate Manjula Ratnayake issued a commandment to the Officer in Charge (OIC) of the Kollupitiya Police for not implementing the Court order issued against the protest held in Mainagogama, a hypothetical village built in objection to Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa near Temple Trees as part of the larger movement against the current regime.
Accordingly, the OIC of the Kollupitiya Police is ordered to appear in Court on May 09.
On May 02, the Additional Magistrate issued a Court order to remove the vehicles and platforms set up in front of Temple Trees, following a request made by the Kollupitiya OIC.
Despite the Police’s efforts on dissolving the protest in Mainagogama today (04), massive objections were raised by the protesters pointing out that the obstructions were due to the buses parked on the pavement by the Police and not due to the demonstrations.
The Police had to withdraw and return as the protesters continued to deny dissolution.
MIAP
Former Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe who has become the sole voice
in Parliament for belling the cat said in parliament today that a local bank is
about to collapse.
He said the collapse of the bank would cause huge losses to its depositors as well as government parties and to look into the possibility of such an opportunity to recover. He also said that with the collapse of the country’s economy in this crisis, the collapse of the banking system could cause great damage.
The former PM said that no bank should be allowed to collapse.The real problem for banks is that they are starved of forex flows and the Forex inflows projected looks bleak he noted. CBSL forex reserves are down to $50 Million USD.
The Former Prime Minister told LNW that the Finance Minister must appoint a high powered expert committee who have the capability and experience to provide guidance to immediately to overlook the stability of the Banks and finance companies.
The huge increase in interest rates has also caused a shock to the economy. Especially after the floating of the currency. This should have happened gradually, he noted.
Below is an unedited footage taken on the tense situation occurred at the Parliament entrance this (04) afternoon as a group of protesters were arrested by the Police.
These protesters were arrested on the allegation of damaging vehicles and obstructing traffic.
The Police denied granting the suspects police bail and these youths are to be produced before the Kaduwela Magistrate Court.
Meanwhile, another protest is being staged in front of the Maharagama Police station in objection to what they claim as an arresting of peaceful protesters.
MIAP
The Police have reportedly denied granting police bail to the 13 protesters who were arrested during a protest at the Parliament entrance.
Accordingly, the arrestees are due to be produced before the Magistrate Court in Kaduwela.
In the meantime, another protest is being staged in front of the Maharagama Police station in objection to what they claimed as an arresting of peaceful protesters.
As of this moment, the protest in front of the Maharagama Police station is backed by a large crowd.
MIAP
Reports on Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa preparing to resign from his post are completely false, said MP Dinesh Gunawardena, responding reporters after the Ruling Party MPs’ meeting today.
In response to the recent reports on Rajapaksa preparing to deliver a special statement in Parliament today, Gunawardena stated that the Prime Minister has no such preparation whatsoever.
The Prime Minister, nevertheless, is expecting to deliver a statement in Parliament regarding the crisis situation in the country soon, he added.
MIAP
Basil Rajapaksa has reportedly nominated himself to the post of Prime Minister of the proposed interim government.
Meeting with President Gotabaya Rajapaksa yesterday (03) Basil Rajapaksa suggested that he is capable of showing the 113-majority in Parliament should anyone else fail to, sources said.
Reminding that no party accepted the President’s offer on two occasions to form a government with a 113-majority to date, Basil noted that he is capable of showing the majority and form one.
Despite the story being vaguely believable, there might be a probability to collect a 113-majority given the number of seats secured by the Ruling Party and the Opposition.
MIAP
A group of protesters near the Parliament premises has been arrested by the Police this (04) afternoon, leading to a tense situation.
The young group was protesting outside Parliament demanding MPs that the no-confidence motion by the SJB should be backed. 12 people were arrested.
Since last night, heavy security has been set up in the Parliament premises. The Parliament roundabout is seen covered with steel pipes as roadblocks.
MIAP
