The Colombo Fort Magistrate, Pasan Amarasena, on Friday issued an order barring 54 people from remaining in the area around the Presidential Secretariat, following a police complaint about an ongoing protest.
Those named include Venerable Ulapane Sumangala Thera and 29 other Buddhist monks, former Minister Udaya Gammanpila and 10 other politicians, and 18 civil society representatives.
Fort Police told the court that the protest, which began in the Kandy area and reached Colombo on Thursday, is demanding a presidential pardon for Venerable Galagoda Aththe Gnanasara Thera, who was convicted of contempt of court. Police said the Presidential Secretary and the Chief of Staff met the protesters on Thursday and told them their concerns would be passed to the President.
Police alleged that the protesters continued to behave in a disorderly manner in a high-security zone and caused public inconvenience. Police also acknowledged the protesters’ constitutional right to freedom of speech and expression.
The Magistrate issued the order under Section 106(1) of the Code of Criminal Procedure Act, No. 15 of 1979.
