Security forces block democratic protest march by professionals against taxes in Colombo

Sri Lanka Police on Friday (20) prevented a protest march organized by the University Teachers.

The Federation of University Teachers' Associations organized this protest march against the government's new income tax regime that imposes a tax between 6% to 36% for anyone with a monthly income of over Rs. 100,000/-.  The protest march commenced from opposite the University of Colombo.

However, when they reached the Nelum Pokuna Theatre Sri Lanka Police prevented them from marching forward by blocking the road.

As Sri Lanka Police continued to obstruct the protest march, the FUTA members boarded several buses and reached the Finance Ministry.

The Federation of University Teachers Associations then joined with the protest that was organized by the Professionals Trade Union Collective opposite the Finance Ministry.

The Federation of University Teachers Associations, Government Medical Officers' Association, Ceylon Bank Employees Union, CEB Engineers Union and several other professional bodies joined the protest.

Vehicular movement along Lotus Road in Colombo came to a standstill due to the protest. Sri Lanka Police and the Riot Police were also stationed at the premises.

"The government has a social responsibility. When acting on the countrys' economy, we cannot operate like a finance company. The governments' accountability to the citizens, is not like how a finance company deals with its customers. However, we do not see responsible engagement from the government," said Dr. Haritha Aluthge the Secretary of the Government Medical Officers' Association

Sri Lanka Police thereafter intervened to prevent a group of University Teachers from heading to the Finance Ministry from Galle Face Green.

Police announced the group to disperse when they reached the new Baladaksa Mawatha close to the President's Office.

Sri Lanka Police dispersed the crowd without allowing them to head to the Finance Ministry.

Thereafter, the groups at Lotus Road, Colombo and opposite the Finance Ministry also dispersed.