Mother's march reaches Galle Face; activists raise concerns against Police

The Mother's march that began from Kalutara yesterday demanding for the release of the convenor of the Inter University Students Federation Wasantha Mudalige and Ven. Siridhamma Thero ended at Galle face on Sunday (13).

The Mother's protest march began at about 10.30 AM this morning from Moratuwa. However, the protesters were obstructed by the police. 

When confronted, the Chief Incumbent of the Ratmalana Sri Bodhirukkaramaya Viharaya Ven. Ratmalane Rahula Thero pointed out that there is nothing wrong with marching along the road in vehicles, and even the Prime Minister Dinesh Gunawardena continues to enjoy his life because of IUSF Convenor Wasantha Mudalige.

"Wasantha did not steal. He could have taken millions and left the country. They did not take anything. They fought for us," Ven. Thero said. 

Activists Nirosha Daniel and Priyanthi Fernando also questioned the Police personnel when they approached, citing incidents where female Police officers were manhandled and harrassed.

Attorney-at-Law Lakshman Wewella also questioned the incident, demanding what kind of democracy exists in the country if two women cannot walk on the road.

Thereafter, the protesters then boarded a vehicle and began to travel towards Galle Face. 

The police followed the protesters and the group stopped for a short while at the Dharmarama junction in Ratmalana. 

The protesters got out of the vehicle they were traveling in between Bambalapitiya and Colpetty and began marching towards Galle Face. 

The protesters were seen speaking to the Police officers cordially close to Galle Face. 

Attorney-at-Law Sunil Watagala pointed out that the Police ordinance exists below the constitution of the country, and therefore, they are going to lodge a complaint at the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka regarding the manner in which the female police officer was harassed and the illegal arrests carried out yesterday.

"We are also planning on going to the Supreme Court within a month. We will file action against the police officer by naming them individually. We will file action at the HRCSL and the Supreme Court," he said.

The mothers protested at Galle Face for a while and then dispersed.