By Buddhika Samaraweera in The Morning, Nov 29, 2022
The Police stated that apart from accepting notifications with regard to protest marches and processions made to the relevant police station six hours in advance and processing requests for the use of loudspeakers, no other form of licence is issued by the Police that pertains to protests.
Speaking to The Morning, Police Media Spokesman, Senior Superintendent of Police, and Attorney-at-Law Nihal Thalduwa said that those organising a protest march or procession are required to inform the relevant police station in the area that the protest march or procession is set to take place at least six hours in advance, adding that the Police can accept or deny such notifications, taking into account the situations that may arise due to such. In addition to such notifications, he said that separate permission should also be obtained from the relevant police station to use loudspeakers at a protest, a march, or any such event.
When queried as to whether the relevant police station should be informed and permission obtained before staging a protest at a location such as a playground or public park, he said: “There are certain institutions such as Local Government authorities that are in charge of places like playgrounds and public parks. If a protest is to be held at such a place, the relevant institution should be informed of it and permission should be obtained. However, if there is any situation that may result in a violation of law and order, the Police can intervene and take necessary action.”
In response to a query regarding any other form of licence that should be obtained from the Police to hold protests or protest marches, Thalduwa said that apart from processing notifications received by police stations about processions and protest marches and allowing the use of loudspeakers, no other form of licence is issued by the Police with regard to protests. He also added that parties staging a protest or conducting a protest march should do so in compliance with the existing law, adding that violation of the law or conflict-generating behaviour by participants of the protests would be dealt with by the Police as per the powers vested in them.
Speaking in Parliament last week, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said that while anyone was free to hold meetings and protest against him, they should only do so after obtaining the relevant licence from the Police, and in a manner that does not obstruct vehicular traffic. He also went on to say that the Police have been instructed to prevent protests and the like from proceeding if those participating are found to not be in possession of the relevant licence from the Police.
https://www.themorning.lk/police-not-issuing-protest-licences/
