The Colombo Additional Magistrate’s Court has ordered police to arrest people suspected of using loudspeaker equipment without a licence during a protest at Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo.

Additional Magistrate Lahiru Silva issued the order to Kurunduwatta Police after the Officer-in-Charge of the station, Chief Inspector Sagara Dayaratne, filed a complaint and reported the facts to the court.

The protest is being held to demand the release of Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, the general secretary of the Bodu Bala Sena, who is serving a prison sentence, according to reports. The order relates to a group that held what was described as a “Mahason Yagaya” at the protest.

Police told the court that Buddhist monks and civil activists staying at the park were continuing the protest without regard to earlier court orders. Police also said loudspeakers had been used during the protest without a lawful licence, and that investigations into the incident had already begun.

After considering the submissions, the Magistrate directed Kurunduwatta Police to arrest those suspected of using the equipment without a licence. He also ordered police to report the progress of their investigations to the court promptly.

No suspects were named in the reports of the order.

Background

Viharamahadevi Park is a public park in central Colombo opposite the Town Hall and is a common venue for demonstrations. Police permission is generally required to use amplified sound at public gatherings in Sri Lanka.

The Bodu Bala Sena is a Buddhist nationalist organisation formed in 2012. Its general secretary, Ven. Gnanasara, has faced court proceedings in the past, and his supporters have campaigned for his release.

What it means

The order shows that police can be directed by a court to act against alleged breaches of licence conditions at public protests in Colombo. Those who organise or attend demonstrations in the city should check what permission is needed for sound equipment before using it.

An arrest order against suspects is not a finding of guilt. Anyone arrested in connection with the case would be entitled to be heard by the court.