The Police Headquarters said holding demonstrations is prohibited since an election has been announced. It said, according to the Police Ordinance, relevant police stations must be notified six hours in advance if a demonstration is to be held.
Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said the people can gather peacefully and express their opinions, but if they organize a demonstration, there will be severe disruption to the traffic on the road.
He said the Constitution has safeguarded the people’s right to peacefully assemble and express their views by selecting a venue under the purview of a local government body through the relevant local government body.
SSP Thalduwa said that large gatherings and demonstrations will disrupt the public order, and if a notice is given six hours in advance, the relevant police stations will be able to ensure that the roads are not blocked.
No election!
However, on February 23, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said in Parliament that there is no election.
In a special statement, the President said that there is no election to postpone.
“The Opposition did not ask for a debate on essential services. They wanted a debate on the postponing of the election. The election has not been postponed. There is no election to be postponed. I was not involved in this debate. I have said this before as well, that I don’t want to talk about politics.”
“The Election Commission has also gone to the court and said that an election cannot be held. However, I thought of saying a few words since several petitions have been filed,” he said.
