Colombo Chief Magistrate Buddhika Sri Ragala today (2) denied a request of Police to issue an order prohibiting a protest against General Sir John Kotelawala National Defence University Bill.
Accordingly, the Police had requested to issue an order against a protest which was planned to held in front of the UGC today at 2.00 p.m., organized by Janathawedi Buddhi Mandapaya.
The Police said that the protest violated quarantine law.
However, the Chief Magistarted refused to issue to order barring the protest, saying that the Constitution has granted the freedom of expression and right to protest.
If the Police is trying to suppress that right using COVID-19 pandemic is the country, it would put both the country and the government in hot water, the Chief Magistrate pointed out.
If someone acts violating COVID-19 health guidelines, the Police can take actions against that person, thw Chief Magistrate noted.
