A group supporting former President Mahinda Rajapaksa has planned to stage a protest in front of the Presidential Secretariat on February 03. 

 

Initial discussions in this regard have been held at the Abhayaramaya temple in Narahenpita with the participation of some prominent Buddhist monks, including Ven. Muruththettuwe Ananda Thera, the head of the temple. 

 

The protest will demand the government to refrain from arresting 'war heroes' and to release Buddhist monks who are currently in remand in connection with the mayhem near the Homagama Magistrate'c Court last week. 

 

However, the protest is unlikely to be permitted by law enforcement authorities due to state independence day preparations at the Galle Face green, opposite the Presidential Secretariat. 

 

When contacted, a senior Police officer in Colombo said the protest, if held, would disturb the preparatory work and rehearsals of the independence day ceremony. 

 

Speaking to Asian Mirror, a stalwart of the pro-Rajapaksa said no final decision had been made with regard to the protest and it is still under discussion.