Colombo Additional Magistrate Harshana Kekunawela yesterday (7) issued an injunction order preventing the holding of demonstrations that would violate the privileges of Parliamentarians by blocking the road leading to Parliament and the surrounding roads. The order was issued to Duminda Nagamuwa, Secretary of the Center for Labour Struggle and Joseph Stalin, Secretary of the Ceylon Teachers Union.
The Magistrate issued this order after being satisfied with The Magistrate issued this order after being satisfied with the submissions made by Welikada Police Station Chief Inspector Chinthaka Anuradha and Police Constable Hashan to the court.
The order was made preventing the blocking of the main road of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte from near the Samanala Bridge to Parliament via the Polduwa Junction, which could cause distress to the Members of Parliament and public.
The Welikada Police informed the Court that plans were afoot to hold a demonstration around Parliament during the budget debate in Parliament and if this happens there may be disruptions to the Parliamentary proceedings.
Also, the Welikada Police asked the Court to issue an order preventing this demonstration, stating that if any demonstration is held here, which is an area used by the public for many purposes, the roads will be blocked and the people will be affected.
After considering the relevant matters, the Magistrate issued this order in terms of section 106 (1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, stating that although the right to protest was there such protests should not hamper the daily activities of the public.