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

MP Vasudewa Nanayakkara stated that his group will not support any motion against President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. Speaking to media after a discussion with the 11 party MP group, Nanayakkara made this observation in response to the no-confidence motion tabled by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB).

Insisting that his party would not support such a resolution, the MP added that he does not expect other parties representing his group to support it either.

He went on saying that there is no need to table a motion against the President and that the prevailing crisis can be solved while he stays in Office.

Should the President’s powers be reduced, it can be done via the 21st Amendment to the Constitution, he added.

Commenting, MP Udaya Gammanpila stated that the crisis could be resolved by the resignation of the Prime Minister and the formation of a government in which all parties represent.

MIAP