The police have issued a letter informing the organisers of the protest planned to be held in Colombo this afternoon (2) that they will not be allowed to hold any demonstration outside the Fort Railway Station.
Police have sent this letter to the organisers with the signature of the Colombo Central II Division Assistant Superintendent of Police K. A. E. N. Dilruk.
It is mentioned in the letter that there may be disruptions to the public and private institutions as well as wholesale trade in Fort and Pettah due to a possible road blockage during the protest.
It further said that traffic congestion caused by the protest could disrupt transport activities and it will make an impact on bringing containers from the economic zones of Katunayake, Biyagama, Wathupitiwala and Kandy to the Port of Colombo.
Road closures due to the protest will also cause hardship and inconveniences to tourists.
The letter said that under Section 80 of the Police Ordinance, the permission of an Assistant Superintendent of Police should be obtained to use a gramophone, loudspeaker or megaphone or amplifier or any other device that produces or reproduces or amplifies sound mechanically. However, it said no such permission has been obtained.
It is further stated in the letter that if there are any inconvenience caused to the public, action will have to be taken under the Police Ordinance and other laws.
