A special presentation of evidence for the 40 arrested persons inclusive of MP Namal Rajapaksa who were involved in the Hambantota protests was conducted by the legal representatives for the suspects on October 12. It has been confirmed that the decision on the produced evidence will be made tomorrow (16). 
 
The produced evidence was challenged by state legal representatives in the presence of the Hambantota ASP at the Hambantota court yesterday (13). 

Attorney at Law Chaminda Suriyapatabendi who is representing the arrested suspects stated that the verdict on the produced evidence will be decided on tomorrow (16). 

Twenty-eight persons were arrested and remanded following the tense situation during the Joint Opposition-organized protest opposite the Indian Consulate in Hambantota on October 6.

Police said that suspects were arrested for unruly behavior and damaging public property.

Police had used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the individuals engaged in the protest, against the agreement to handover operations of the Hambantota port and Mattala airport to two foreign companies. 

The protest was organized by the Joint Opposition with the participation of several of its MPs including Namal Rajapaksa, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Prof. G.L. Peiris, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and Sanath Nishantha.

The protest was scheduled to be held near the Mattala Airport, however the venue was changed to Indian consulate in Hambanota after police had obtained a court order preventing any protests being held near the airport.
 
Following the protests, organizing party members including MP Namal Rajapaksa were apprehended by law enforcement authorities.