New laws allocating separate areas for protests

8 February 2017 09:05 am - 21 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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New laws will be introduced with regard to protests soon, Minister of Law and Order Sagala Ratnayake informed Parliament yesterday.

Minister Ratnayake who was speaking during an adjournment debate in the House said the government will introduce new laws while safeguarding the people’s right of association and expression which are guaranteed by the Constitution.

He said the police will be trained more professionally to handle protests and civil disturbances.

MP S. M. Marikkar who moved the adjournment debate earlier called for allocating separate areas for protests. “Continuous protests will discourage investors and will damage the reputation of the country. Therefore, arrangements should be made to allocate separate areas for protests while safeguarding the rights of the people,” he said while highlighting that several countries have implemented a system where separate areas are allocated for mass protests.

Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) MP Dr. Nalinda Jayatissa said his party is opposed to this move as it is a violation of people’s rights. He said the Constitution have guaranteed the right of the people to convene in any location and express their ideas. He said allocation of special locations for protests will violate this right.(Yohan Perera)

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Comments - 21

Jude Wednesday, 08 February 2017 11:09 AM

Well, my suggestion to control unruly, unwanted, unwarranted Protestors!!!, Yeah, Use Rubber bullets and Pepper spray!!!?? Believe me, you'll not find !!?? Who, !!?? Protestors!?? Where!!??? Naaahh!!!!? Not any more!!?? That's right!!!

Eventmg Thursday, 09 February 2017 06:58 AM

Any event which blocks the road need a proper location. Thats includes religious events funerals games and other activities... Better have a separate hall or a ground.. Which does not dosturb the road and traffic. via DM Android App

Gratiaen Hewa Wednesday, 08 February 2017 10:10 PM

The best remedial measure is to get into the root cause of the planned protests in advance and sort out the issue amicably. This will save so many problems effecting the general public,Police and the image of the ruling party.

Senewi Wednesday, 08 February 2017 07:24 PM

These people have a tract record in suppressing protesters and dragging them in to civil wars. Because of JR's "black July" operation ,the government had to face civil wars with JVP and LTTE.

rosebud Wednesday, 08 February 2017 05:56 PM

Good move - New Delhi too has designated area for demonstrations at a prominent place and with justly enforced rules. via DM Android App

Bandara Arty Wednesday, 08 February 2017 05:40 PM

If you can't stand the heat , get out of the kitchen.

Justica Wednesday, 08 February 2017 03:39 PM

Uve always voiced my opinion on this...yes allocate grounds and parks n not disturb the public...let them stand on their head if they so wish...just like the protestors have a right...WE the public ALSO have a right not to be inconvenienced by these political thamasas. Also do not let religious or BIG MATCH processions to disturb the publics right of movement..Allocate grounds and parks...no foreign exchange will be lost by way if stagnant traffic consuming petrol..n MANHOURS...lost n productivity is affected....think Global... via DM Android App

question Wednesday, 08 February 2017 01:43 PM

are you on drugs?

Hitapan Machan Wednesday, 08 February 2017 12:44 PM

In addition , limit demonstrations to Saturdays and Sundays

Lanka Perera Wednesday, 08 February 2017 11:59 AM

ARe you referring to white vans ?

dham Wednesday, 08 February 2017 11:13 AM

Very good idea move all protesters one location without interrupting dato day activities. via DM Android App

Love Lanka Wednesday, 08 February 2017 09:14 AM

Aiyooo Yahapalanaya...... What is happening. Cant you do something to stop the protests. Joke of the day

Sue Wednesday, 08 February 2017 10:34 AM

YES. Yes please. Take this menace of protesting on roads during peak hours and we will be ever so grateful. Sick and tired of these "always disgruntled" workers/students who have become the puppets of politicians.

annoyed Wednesday, 08 February 2017 10:01 AM

Government must ensure that general public is not affected as a result of using public roads for protest purpose. It is one thing to allocate locarions and protect rigths to protest but it should never occupy public roads. Government does not need to give any explanation to uphold the law and order.

johan Wednesday, 08 February 2017 09:53 AM

JVP is the party which always like to fish in troubled waters

DeSilva Wednesday, 08 February 2017 09:51 AM

Very good move> People are fed up with these demonstrations. What an inconvenience to the public

Dr. Watson Wednesday, 08 February 2017 09:50 AM

This is the best news for the year! What a lot of man hours are lost specially in the Fort area due to these unproductive and meaningless protests. Well done.

KJ Wednesday, 08 February 2017 09:31 AM

This is a good move.. I believe Malaysia has similar laws too..

Banda Wednesday, 08 February 2017 09:28 AM

Get to the root caus of the problem. Introducing new laws or taxes isnt going to help in the long run via DM Android App

Jagath Leanage Wednesday, 08 February 2017 09:28 AM

Everybody must remember that they cannot be in power forever . So when they are in opposition they too have to do these protests in the area allocated to them which will be pointless of a protest .

mm Wednesday, 08 February 2017 09:26 AM

this is like the garbage issue. without finding a solution to the problem trying to dump it all out of sight via DM iOS App

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New laws allocating separate areas for protests

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