SJB vows to defy Govt. blockades to hold massive demonstration in Colombo today

SJB General Secretary 

Ranjith Madduma Bandara 

• SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara says party will resist any efforts by Govt. to block party’s 50 000 strong demonstration
• Says protests will serve as initial warning shot against current Govt. and attempt to oust it 
• Declines to disclose path of protest march and says it will only be revealed today 

Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara yesterday said the party will resist any efforts by the Government to impede a large-scale demonstration scheduled by the party today in Colombo. 

During a press briefing, the SJB General Secretary said the protest would serve as the initial warning towards toppling the present Government headed by President Ranil Wickremesinghe.

“The IGP or anyone else can attempt to impose restrictions, but we will defy them and bring 50,000 people to Colombo tomorrow,” he declared.

The MP asserted that it was the SJB that led the people’s uprising in 2022 and declared their intent to do so again. Madduma Bandara declined to disclose the path of the party’s protest to the media and said it would only be revealed today.

Meanwhile, Madduma Bandara accused the Government of infringing upon the democratic freedoms of the people by implementing oppressive laws, including the Online Safety Bill. He alleged that the Government was introducing such laws with the aim of controlling the country’s citizens.

He asserted that the Government’s intention was to secure victory in the elections by suppressing the people through the Online Safety Bill.

The MP further accused the current Speaker of ignoring the Supreme Court’s determination on the bill, which recommended amending 32 provisions out of 57. Madduma Bandara said despite this, the Speaker allowed the Government to pass the Bill without incorporating these amendments.

“The past Speakers of the country worked to safeguard Parliamentary democracy, whereas the current Speaker has disregarded the decision of the Supreme Court,” he remarked. 

The MP said accordingly the SJB will hold a massive demonstration in Colombo on 30 January calling on the Government to alleviate economic burdens on the citizens and ensure their freedom. He said the SJB will take the lead in the protest and it will commence its struggle to oust the current Government on the day and fight for the democratic freedoms of the country’s citizens.