Sri Lankans take to the streets, defying curfew & the rain

Hundreds of Sri Lankans have taken to the streets, defying an island-wide curfew that has been placed since last evening (02).

Holding placards, protesting civilians are demanding President Gotabaya Rajapaksa as well the Rajapaksa clan to resign.

Many were seen in several areas such as Nugegoda, Kirualpone, Nawala, Havelock City, Rajagiriya, Pitakotte, Boralesgamuwa, Pamunuwa, Rathmalana, Mt. Lavinia  and Kochchikade, to name a few.  Furthermore, demonstrations were also held in Kandy, Negombo and Kalutara as well.

In some areas public were even seen braving the rain.

SJB protests at Independence Square

Earlier in the day, Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa led a protest march towards Independence Square in Colombo.

“You are supposed to protect the people and the not government,” Sajith Premadasa told police officers who were manning the barricade.

“We are causing any damage to public or private property. We are here to protest peacefully. All those present with me are the MPs. You, the law enforcement, are bound to the mandate of the people and you cannot suppress it,” said the Opposition Leader, adding that he respects the police and military, and has no intention to threaten them.

SJB MP Patali Champika Ranawaka warned the police officers that obstructing the movement of any MP would land them in jail for five years and that the actions of the police is a violation of the constitution.

Uni students also protest

Meanwhile, the student movement of several universities engaged in active protest demonstrations today.

Police had used tear gas and high-pressure water cannons to disperse the protesting students of Peradeniya University.

Students of the Sri Jayawardenapura University joined residents to protest at the Wijerama Junction later in the day.

Students of the South Eastern university in Oluvil, have also began a protest in the late evening.

Protests overseas & online

Meanwhile, the #GoHomeGota campaign also spread overseas as Sri Lankan communities in several countries raised their voice.

Demonstrations were held in several countries including UK, New Zealand, Germany, France, Finland, Maldives and Australia.

Despite a blanket ban on social media which was lifted today afternoon, many had taken to social media to proclaim their solidarity with the rising anti-government  movement.