by Norman Palihawadane
Police arrested 15 persons who attempted to stage a protest at Nawalapitiya town, where an SLPP rally was being held under the patronage of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa.A tense situation arose when the police arrived at the scene, and asked the protesters to disperse. When the former refused to do so, police took action to crush the protest, and arrest some protesters.
Among those taken into custody were SJB Nawalapitiya organizer Sasanka Sampath. Police spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said that the SLPP had planned to hold a public rally during the day time yesterday at the Nawalapitiya town. A group of persons had gathered at an SJB office, about 200 meters from the location the SLPP rally was to be held. The SJB members were planning to conduct a protest march under the leadership of SJB Nawalapitiya organiser Sasanka Sampath.