By Lakmal Sooriyagoda   

A request made by Fort Police through the Attorney General  to issue an order preventing the protesters from entering in close  proximity to the President’s house premises on Friday (8) and Saturday  (9) was yesterday rejected by Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.  

While refusing to issue an order as requested by Attorney  General, Colombo Additional Magistrate Keminda Perera observed that  police have power to prevent an event of committing any offence or  causing any disturbance to the public.  
Deputy Solicitor General Janaka Bandara appearing for  police told court that police intelligence has received information that  political parties, civil society activists and trade unions are  preparing to organise a massive protest on Friday and Saturday, after  being members of unlawful assembly.  

President’s Counsel Saliya Pieris appearing for the rights  of protesters raised objections against the attempt by police of  utilising the judiciary as a weapon to suppress people’s fundamental  rights including freedom of expression and right of peaceful assembly.  

He further submitted to court 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 into consideration the facts presented by both  parties, the Additional Magistrate decided to reject the request made by  police.