UNP Working Committee agrees to ensure normal public services during ‘Jana Balaya’ rally

The UNP Working Committee met yesterday and decided that the Joint Opposition protest organised for tomorrow would be permitted, but that the Government would ensure that public services would not be hindered and allowed to function normally. 

“They want to march into Colombo and disrupt all activities in the city. They want to stop school children from going to school, stop the functions of the private sector, and bring public services to a standstill. However, we will make sure that all public services will function normally, especially the transport sector,” UNP Working Committee member Telecommunication, Digital Infrastructure and Foreign Employment Minister Harin Fernando told the Daily FT. 

The Minister said the protest was in fear of the special courts system established by the Government to expedite legal proceedings. 

 “They are afraid that the cases against them would be heard in a speedy manner and concluded by December. Therefore they are holding this rally to garner support,” he said. 

The Minister went on to say that he hoped the masses would realise that these protests and the disruptions they cause were for the benefit of one family alone. “We hope the masses, particularly the youth, realise that these rallies and protests are being organised to disturb the normal activities of the country and hurt the economy. We hope they realise that it is only for the benefit of one family.” (SG)