The Jana Aragala Movement has accused the government of attempting to suppress public protests after six of its members were arrested following a demonstration against taxes and the rising cost of living.
Police said the six were arrested for alleged unlawful assembly and using loudspeakers without permission during Saturday’s protest in Colombo.
Speaking at a media briefing in Nugegoda on Sunday, movement executive member Duminda Nagamuwa condemned the arrests, saying the government was responding to public grievances with repression instead of addressing them.
The six, including Sujith Kuruwita, were arrested following Saturday’s protest organised under the theme calling for the withdrawal of what the movement described as “unjust taxes” and a reduction in the cost of living.
Nagamuwa also raised concerns over proposed anti-terrorism legislation, claiming its provisions could be used to designate protests as terrorist activities, ban organisations and detain individuals.
He accused the government of continuing economic policies associated with the previous administration, including the 18% VAT rate, and said the tax burden was disproportionately affecting ordinary people.
Nagamuwa claimed the government had collected 25% more tax revenue during the first six months of this year compared with the corresponding period last year, while failing to adequately recover taxes owed by large businesses.
He said rising living costs were forcing many people to take on multiple jobs and making it increasingly difficult for families to meet expenses including food, education and healthcare.
The Jana Aragala Movement said it would continue efforts to build public opposition to what it described as an unfair tax system, warning that arrests would not stop its campaign. (Newswire)