Protestors released on bail by Court, sent to quarantine by Police Quarantine recommended by PHIs - Dr. Ramesh Pathirana

• Minister Keheliya Rambukwella justified the police action saying the  protesters had other options to protest without taking students to  ransom

By Sandun A. Jayasekera  

Co-Cabinet spokesman, Plantation Minister Dr. Ramesh Pathirana said yesterday that those who were bundled out for quarantine by the Police to far away locations after the court released them on bail, had been recommended by PHIs for quarantine.   

The Police, last week rounded up a peaceful protest staged by opposition parties and trade union activists against alleged attempts by the government to privatise the Sir John Kotalawala Defence University, and other burning issues, and produced them in Courts. They were released on bail by the Magistrate, but the Police prevented them from leaving the court premises and sent them to be quarantined for 14 days.

Meanwhile, Co-Cabinet spokesman, Mass Media Minister Keheliya Rambukwella justifying the police action said the protesters had other options to protest without taking students to ransom.   “The government is in an extremely difficult situation, fighting the Covid-19 pandemic in an extremely difficult situation.  We have given priority to 241,000 teachers for vaccination and by next month expect to vaccinate 13.5 million Sri Lankans at least with one jab.  “We are also in the process of introducing 16 TV channels for education in the next few months. Therefore, this kind of sabotage is unacceptable,” Minister Rambukwella added.