The Sri Lanka Police have outlined the restrictions imposed by the Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court on protesters demanding the release of Bodu Bala Sena (BBS) General Secretary Ven. Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera.
According to a statement issued by the Police Media Division, protesters have been ordered not to obstruct roads, walking paths and public spaces surrounding Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo.
The restrictions cover the premises near the Buddha statue at Viharamahadevi Park, F.R. Senanayake Mawatha, Lipton Circus, Soysa Circus, Dharmapala Mawatha, Kannangara Mawatha, Green Path Road and Flower Road.
The court has also prohibited protesters from continuously occupying the area in front of the Prime Minister’s Office on Flower Road and the premises surrounding the Buddha statue at Viharamahadevi Park.
Protesters have further been ordered not to cause damage to public or private property.
The order applies to Ven. Ulapane Sumangala Thera, Ven. Balangoda Kassapa Thera, other Buddhist monks, civil society activists, representatives of political parties and other individuals participating in the protest.
Police said the order was issued under Section 106(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure following submissions made by the Officer-in-Charge of the Cinnamon Gardens Police Station.
The Police Media Division further stated that Police are authorised to take action under Section 106(3) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, while violating the court order constitutes a punishable offence under Section 185 of the Penal Code. (Newswire)
