SJB stages ‘Red Safety Jacket Protest’ against President’s speech

January 13, 2021 at 8:00 PM

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya today staged a protest against the recent speech of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, which was allegedly directed at MP Harin Fernando.

Members of the SJB including party Leader Sajith Premadasa had gathered at the Independence Square in Colombo where the protest was staged.

MP Harin Fernando told NewsWire that all those participating in the protest wore red safety jackets to call on the Government to safeguard freedom of speech in the country.

Stating that the protest was not only against the statements of the President against him, MP Fernando also said it was also in support of MP Ranjan Ramanayake who had revealed details of many malpractices in the recent past.

“The SJB is not interfering in the legal procedures with regard to MP Ramanayake, but was standing up for his right to freedom of expression,” he said.

MP Harin Fernando said further protests will be organized in every town calling for the freedom of speech.

Pointing out that he had requested for security recently, the MP said he had not requested for Police or Military personnel, but for freedom of speech and Parliament privileges to be upheld in Sri Lanka. (NewsWire)