Hartal in Embilipitiya and Kuruwita

By Ajith Shanthaudaya and Jayantha Nanayakkara 

A protest march and hartal were staged last noon closing down all shops in Embilipitiya and Kuruwita in protest of ignoring the demands made by MP Ven. Rathana Thera who had launched a fast unto death in front of Dalada Maligawa.

Hundreds of people including Sinhalese, Muslims and Tamils participated in the protest by closing down shops outside the Kuruwita Bodhi. They requested relevant authorities to meet the demands of Ven. Athuraliye Ratana Thera and hold an independent inquiry into the removal of Governors Azath Salley and Hizbullah as well as Minister Rishad Bathiudeen from their posts. The general public, business community and the Maha Sangha too participated in the protest. 

Meanwhile, black flags were hoisted and shops closed in Embilipitiya yesterday in protest. Over a thousand people and trishaws arrived at the clock tower in the town from Udagama and staged a protest thereby hindering vehicular movement. The protesters requested the relevant authorities to fulfil the demands of Ven. Rathana Thera forthwith.