Protesters arrested in Mirihana will not be charged under PTA - Police

The protesters arrested during the last night’s demonstration in Mirihana area will not be charged under the Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA), says the Senior Police Spokesperson.

Addressing a media briefing this afternoon (April 01), Senior DIG Ajith Rohana said the arrestees will be charged under the provisions of the Penal Code and the Public Properties Act.

Speaking further, SDIG Rohana stated that investigations into the incident are being carried out by three special teams – Colombo Crimes Division, Criminal Investigation Department and Western (North) Crimes Division.

With regard to the journalists being assaulted by the military and the police while covering the protest, the senior police spokesperson said a probe would be initiated into this as well. “Journalists cannot be barred from reporting these incidents.”

He also stated that the property damage caused during the protest in Mirihana was estimated at around Rs. 39 million. According to him, 53 people including a female are currently in custody over the protest.

Meanwhile, 24 police personnel including 18 of the Special Task Force have sustained injuries. At least 09 of them are receiving treatment at the Colombo South Teaching Hospital in Kalubowila, Colombo National Hospital and the Police Hospital, SDIG Rohana added. 

The protest march which commenced near the Jubilee Post in Nugegoda last evening had later proceeded towards Pengiriwatta Mawatha, which leads to the President’s residence in Mirihana.

People thronged in large numbers holding placards and shouting slogans and demanded that the government provide immediate solutions to the fuel shortage, power crisis, gas shortage, and the soaring commodity prices in the country.

Later, the police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters gathered near the Pengiriwatta Mawatha. The riot police had resorted to using tear gas and water cannons on the protesters as the agitation turned violent with stones and other objects being hurled at security personnel and damages to public property.