Despite the Islandwide Curfew imposed with effect from 6:00 pm on Saturday, along with the state of public emergency declared earlier, many public protests were seen throughout the country today (3).
The main opposition party, Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) staged a protest lead by its leader Sajith Premadasa, on the way to the independence square in Colombo.
SJP MPs however were not allowed to go near the independence square as they were blocked by the security forces.
The Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) also staged a protest in Maharagama today, which was later disrupted by the Police. Many prominent JVP and NPP members participated in this protest.
A massive protest against the government was staged in front of the Peradeniya university premises today. Police later used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesting students.
Meanwhile, smaller civil protests were also seen in many parts of the country. General public in small groups were seen protesting holding black flags and placards while chanting anti-government slogans.
A major public protest was organized for today by civil groups through social media and other channels before the government imposed a State of Emergency followed by an Islandwide curfew and a social media ban, in a bid to curb possible large scale protests. (NewsWire)
Public protest in Pitakotte despite curfew & rain #SriLanka pic.twitter.com/Pr01OflpTi
— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) April 3, 2022
Protests continues in many areas in Colombo defying President's curfew orders
Havelock City pic.twitter.com/EqX6SFLIf2
— NewsWire (@NewsWireLK) April 3, 2022