Organizers of a protest led by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) were left in disarray after police unexpectedly removed barricades and opened the access road to Parliament.
Standard security protocols during such demonstrations usually involve police setting up barricades at Polduwa Junction to restrict access toward Parliament. Although barricades were initially placed during yesterday’s (24) protest, police removed them as demonstrators approached.
With the road clear, SJB supporters had the opportunity to move freely toward Parliament. However, MPs including Mujibur Rahman and Ajith P. Perera were seen making strenuous efforts to halt their own supporters from advancing.
The video below captures statements from participants, highlighting the absolute failure of the organized demonstration.
