• They had engaged in a peaceful protest, adhering to the Health Guidelines

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda 

Two traders arrested for allegedly violating quarantine regulations during a protest opposite Fort Railways Station were yesterday ordered to be released on bail by Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court. 

President of United National Association of Self-Employed Traders in Pettah Charles Pradeep and another trader Suneth Kathriarachchi were arrested by Fort police last Saturday (19) when they staged a protest demanding the government to allow them to open their shops since the government has already granted permission to re-open liquor shops. They were ordered to be released on two sureties of Rs.50,000 each after being produced before Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court.

Defence Counsel appeared on behalf of the suspects told the court that their clients staged a protest against the injustice caused by the reopening of liquor shops. Defence Counsel further said they engaged in a peaceful protest, adhering to the Health Guidelines. 

However, the Fort Police moved Court that the suspects be remanded as several other suspects who were involved in the incident have not been arrested yet.