21 protesters arrested this morning released on bail

21 individuals who were arrested following a protest held opposite the Presidential Secretariat and the Ministry of Finance this morning, have been released on bail.

NewsRadio Court correspondent said they were released on Rs.500,000 surety bail each.

The order was issued by Colombo Fort Magistrate Thilina Gamage this evening.

The case will be taken up once again on the 22nd of July.

A Buddhist monk, four females and 16 males, were apprehended after they obstructed the entrance of the Finance Ministry. P

olice said they blocked two entrances to the Presidential Secretariat and behaved in an unruly manner.

Protesters at Galle Face Green had set up two more tents to obstruct the remaining entrances of the Secretariat earlier today.

Accordingly, protesters who obstructed the entrance to the Ministry of Finance down Lotus Road were taken into custody.

Police said the protesters were attempting to disrupt the scheduled meeting between the Treasury Secretary and the delegation of the International Monetary Fund.

Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said individuals commenced the protest last evening and prevented officials and the public from entering the Finance Ministry.

He said the Colombo Fort Police station is conducting further investigations.