84 arrested during a protest in Colombo released on bail

By Lakmal Sooriyagoda 

Three suspects including the National organizer of the Socialist Youth Union Eranga Gunasekara arrested during a protest held on Saturday (24) were ordered to be released on bail after being produced before Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court.

Only three out of 84 individuals arrested by police were produced before Court and the rest of them had been released on police bail. 

A total of 84 individuals had been arrested by police while taking part in a protest organized by the Socialist Youth Union at Dean’s Road in Maradana.

Three suspects Eranga Gunasekera, Ven. Koswatte Mahanama Thera and Mandira Abeysekera were produced before Maligakanda Acting Magistrate Vineetha Dias for allegedly staging a protest after causing damages to public property and their failure to obey police orders.

Producing the suspects before Court, the Maradana Police moved to remand the three suspects citing they are having pending court cases over similar incidents.
Defence Counsel raised objections against the police request and argued that the suspects were arrested while they are exercising their freedom of expression, a fundamental right guaranteed under the constitution.

President’s Counsel Rienzie Arsekularatne with counsel Udara Muhandiramge appeared for Koswatte Mahanama Thera. Senior Counsel Darshana Kuruppu appeared for Mandira Abeysekera. Senior Counsel Harshana Nanayakkara appeared for Eranga Gunasekera.

• Only three out of 84 individuals arrested by police were produced before Court and the rest of them had been released on police bail