Legal action will be taken against a group, including the leader of the National Freedom Front (NFF), former Member of Parliament Wimal Weerawansa over allegations of obstructing rehearsal activities held today (18) ahead of the National War Heroes’ Day Commemoration Day, police stated.

According to a police statement, during the rehearsal and ongoing preparations for the main ceremony, a group of around 35 individuals, including the former MP, allegedly attempted to enter the National War Heroes’ Monument premises without authorization, in a manner that disrupted official duties and rehearsal activities, police noted.

Police further stated that officers present at the scene prevented the attempted entry and subsequently removed the group from the location.

Authorities have confirmed that investigations are underway and that legal action will be taken against those involved.

Meanwhile, a tense situation arose between police and former MP Wimal Weerawansa when he arrived at the War Heroes’ Monument located near Parliament to pay floral tributes.

The former Member of Parliament, along with a group including academics and artists, had visited the site today (18) to commemorate soldiers who died during the humanitarian operation.

However, a dispute occurred after security officials did not allow Wimal Weerawansa and his group to approach the memorial to lay flowers, leading to heightened tensions at the scene.

It is reported that a police officer, after receiving a phone call, stated that no one would be permitted to enter the vicinity of the memorial on the day.

Following this, a heated exchange of words took place between police officers and former MP Wimal Weerawansa.

During the confrontation, CCTV footage reportedly captured the former MP falling to the ground while attempting to move forward as officers tried to push the group back.

Subsequently, two individuals present at the scene were arrested and placed in a police jeep. It is further reported that Wimal Weerawansa also boarded the jeep, after which the arrested individuals were later released by police.