A section of the crowd at the SJB protest in Colombo yesterday. 
Pic by Nimalsiri Edirisinghe

• We are ready to build up the nation, to resolve the issues faced by the  people. We have come here by defeating all tactics of the government to  stop our efforts to take to the streets. This mass rally is held to wipe  off people’s sorrow
• A large number of SJB supporters gathered yesterday against the government and marched to the Galle Face
• The refinery at Sapugaskanda has been closed today for the first time in  its history. There are long queues to purchase fuel, milk food, sugar  and cement. Aren’t you fed up by this curse?

By Yohan Perera  

Leader of the Opposition and SJB Leader Sajith Premadasa yesterday called on the people to get ready to form a new government.   

“Get ready to form a real people’s government which will resolve all the grave issues which you face today,” he told the crowds who marched towards the Galle Face from the Office of the Opposition Leader down Marcus Fernando Mawatha.  

“We are ready to build up the nation, to resolve the issues faced by the people. We have come here by defeating all tactics of the government to stop our effort to take to the streets. This mass rally is held to wipe off people’s sorrow. Everyone has the right to express themselves. We are ready to build up our society and form a government of the common man. Laws are being used to suppress the Opposition,” Mr. Premadasa said.  

“The government has two thirds majority while the President has vast powers as per the 20th Amendment to the Constitution. However the government has got scared of the Opposition. Government is trying to control the SJB instead of COVID- 19,” he added.  

“The refinery at Sapugaskanda has been closed today for the first time in its history. There are long queues to purchase fuel, milk food, sugar and cement. Aren’t you fed up by this curse? It has now exceeded the limits” he said.  SJB was initially planning to hold the rally at Hyde Park corner but decided against it as the permit was not granted for it. SJB then decided to gather crowds in front of the Opposition Leader’s office and began the march. It reached the Liberty Plaza Junction when MP Harin Fernando directed it towards the Galle face along the Galle Road.   

Buses which were plying towards Colombo from various places were not allowed according to the SJB MPs. It was reported that some of the MPs including Field Marshal Sarath Fonseka had been prevented from coming to Colombo.

-The government has two thirds majority while the President has vast  powers as per the 20th Amendment to the Constitution. However the  government has got scared of the Opposition. Government is trying to  control the SJB instead of COVID- 19  Caption  

 A section of the crowd at the SJB protest in Colombo yesterday.

Pic by Nimalsiri Edirsinghe