Police Disrupt Protest March Against Electricity Tariff Hike,
Sri Lanka Police intervened in a protest march that originated from Divulapitiya, organized to voice opposition against the recent increase in electricity tariffs. The demonstration was led by several groups, including the Electricity Users’ Association, the Citizens’ Advisory Council, and the Collective of Civil Organization.
The march commenced from Divulapitiya’s Bus Stand and aimed to proceed to the Colombo-Kurunegala Main Road after addressing the media. A significant police presence was observed in the area.
Tensions escalated when the Sri Lanka Police obstructed the protest march. While the protesters initially moved aside to allow traffic to pass, a heated exchange unfolded when the police blocked the road.
During the course of the confrontation, Chairman of the Citizen’s Movement Against Fraud, Corruption, and Waste, Jamuni Kamantha Thushara, and Secretary of the Electricity Users’ Association, Sanjeewa Dhammika, were arrested. Subsequently, Venerable Balangoda Kassapa Thero and several others were also detained by the authorities.
The protest was in response to the recent hike in electricity tariffs and reflects the ongoing concerns and grievances of citizens regarding economic challenges in Sri Lanka.
