Magistrate dismisses Police request to prevent IUSF protest march

Colombo Chief Magistrate Nandana Amarasinghe yesterday dismissed a request made by the Cinnamon Gardens Police to prevent a protest march organized by the Inter University Students Federation (IUSF) from entering several roads within the Cinnamon Gardens Police area yesterday (08) and today (09).

Cinnamon Garden Police stated that police intelligence has received information that the IUSF has planned protest marches from the Viharamahadevi Park to the vicinity of President’s House in Colombo Fort via the Technical Junction in Maradana yesterday and today.

The Police further stated that these protest marches are likely to turn violent although they started off peacefully, the police requested the Magistrate to issue a restraining order preventing the IUSF protesters from entering several roads including Thunmulla, Thurstan road, flower road, Nanda Motors road, etc.

The Police further stated that most of the Hospitals, Embassies, and residences of Supreme Court judges are located in Cinnamon Garden Police Division.

A group of lawyers including President’s Counsel Saliya Peiris appearing on behalf of the protesters observed that the public are permitted to exercise their freedom of movement guaranteed by the Constitution.

President’s Counsel Peiris further stated that police are empowered to take necessary action in accordance with section 95, 96 and 97 of the Criminal Procedure Code in the event of committing an offence.

Taking submissions into consideration, the Magistrate decided to dismiss the request made by the Cinnamon Garden Police.

Meanwhile, another two requests made by the Kollupitiya and Maligawatta Police were also dismissed by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.