SJB MPs hold placards during a protest they held at Independence Square yesterday. 

• Responsibility of quarantining people lies with the health authorities and not the police

By Yohan Perera 

Police should read the constitution and uphold the people’s right to association and expression and should refrain from acting as a puppet of the government, Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa said yesterday. 

“I request the police to read the constitution first and refrain from being a puppet of the government. They should leave the quarantine activities to the health authorities”, Mr. Premadasa said during a protest held at Independence Square. The protest was organised by the SJB against what they called suppressing the people’s rights. 
“We saw how a Buddhist monk and trade unionists were dragged for quarantine on Thursday. This is illegal as the responsibility of quarantining people lies with the health authorities and not the police. Laws should be enforced on everyone. Why are you not arresting us?” he questioned the police. 

“We will hold a series of protests against the government in the coming days, bringing all political parties together,” he added. 

SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara said the protest staged by his party was legal as health guidelines were followed. “This is a peaceful protest, and we maintained social distancing,” he said. 

The protest was staged despite the warnings given by the police initially. The police officers who were present at the location advised the SJB MPs who were present. “We are making this request as it is essential to save the people from the current pandemic,” one police officer said. “We will maintain social distance and will follow the health guidelines,” Mr. Madduma Bandara replied. 

The presence of MP C. V. Vigeneswaran was a salient feature while MPs Harin Fernando, Patali Champika Ranawaka, P. Digambaram, Kumara Welgama and Ajith Mannaperuma were notable absentees. 
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We saw how a Buddhist monk and trade unionists were dragged for quarantine on Thursday
Caption