The government has received information that Samurdi officials and regional Police heads are involved in the organisation of the Joint Opposition's protest march, a senior Cabinet minister told Asian Mirror. 

He said independent observers would be sent out to several districts to gather information about public officials engaging in political activities. 

"We will take tough action against them, regardless of their positions," the Cabinet minister asserted, adding that the details of errant officials had already been sent to relevant authorities.

He said a considerable number of Samurdhi officials had exerted pressure on Samurdhi beneficiaries to attend the protest march organised by the Joint Opposition group supporting former President Mahinda Rajapaksa. 

"There are allegations that members of the SLFP who hold positions under the current government are supporting the Joint Opposition march, covertly," he added. 

The Joint Opposition protest march is expected to commence from Kandy on July 28.