SJB files FR against high-security zone Gazette 

SJB MP Harshana Rajakaruna

• SJB MP Harshana Rajakaruna says Govt. attempting to quell public dissent through Gazette
• Requests Supreme Court to declare Gazette invalid
• Calls on Govt. to not resort to anti-democratic measures

The Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) yesterday filed a petition before the Supreme Court against the Gazette issued by President Ranil Wickremesinghe declaring several designated areas in Colombo as high-security zones.

The SJB in its petition requested the courts to issue an order invalidating the Gazette as it violates the fundamental rights of Sri Lankan citizens.

The application was filed by SJB MPs Harshana Rajakaruna and Mujibur Rahuman.

“The Ranil-Rajapaksa Government is attempting to repress the people and withhold their democratic rights by issuing such Gazettes. The only intention of issuing this Gazette declaring several areas as high-security zones are to quell the increasing citizen’s dissent against the Government,” Rajakaruna said. According to him, the Government is now using various methods to silence the public.

“The Government has also now barred public sector employees from expressing their opinions on social media and warned them that disciplinary action will be taken if they violate the directive. It has also been announced that groups must obtain prior permission from the Police to hold protests,” he said, adding that these are all measures implemented to crush anti-Government opposition. 

Rajakaruna also noted that the international community has also expressed their displeasure at the move. “This is a time we need their support. Therefore, we call on the Government to not resort to such anti-democratic measures at this juncture,” he added.

The FR application names the Attorney General as the respondent and notes that the President has no right to declare high-security zones.

The petitioners request the Supreme Court to rule that the conduct of the President has violated the fundamental rights of the people of Sri Lanka, and thereby issue an order to invalidate the said Gazette.