Organisers of the anti-government rally held on 21 November in Nugegoda allege that the government attempted to disrupt the event through intimidation, sabotage and deliberate logistical obstructions, including sending certain saboteurs who were intoxicated.

SLPP’s Sanjeewa Edirimanne, Speaking about what he described as “serious threats and interference,” the organisers claimed that individuals under the influence of alcohol were sent to the venue to create disturbances and harass participants.

Edirimanne is the second SLPP member who remarked similar sentimentals. Earlier, SLPP MP D.V. Chanaka too said that Government sent individuals to sabotage the rally and those who provided voice cuts to the media after the rally might be those saboteurs.

He accused the government of acting in a manner “unable to tolerate dissenting views,” and said the extent of the administration’s hostility became evident only after preparations for the

According to organisers, one of the earliest obstacles they faced involved transport.

Edirimanne said the SLTB refused to provide even a single bus for the rally, despite being offered payment. Private bus owners had also been pressured by Provincial Road Transport Authority officials and, in some cases, allegedly threatened at their homes.

Despite this, private operators had supported the rally in significant numbers “understanding the democratic need for such a gathering,” he stressed.

On the morning of the rally, police officers allegedly dismantled part of the public address system installed at the venue. Edirimanne claimed there were also attempts to cancel the sound permit, citing involvement from the Examinations Department and the Central Environmental Authority, though technical assessments had indicated the nearest examination centre was more than 500 metres away.

In a separate incident at around 5.00 a.m., there had also been an attempt to close a section of High-Level Road near the venue, reportedly to obstruct buses transporting participants, Edirimanne alleged.

He further alleged that the government held a last-minute event in Tangalle the previous day, described officially as an anti-drug rally attended by the President, which he viewed as a deliberate counter-gathering.

On the day of the Nugegoda rally, a press statement was issued announcing a supposed counter-protest, though only a handful of individuals were seen holding placards. Edirimanne also accused government supporters of staging minor acts of intimidation along the roadside, including hanging grass and other items to mock participants.

Despite the alleged disruptions—including attempts to pressure transport providers, cancel permits, dismantle sound equipment, and deploy intoxicated individuals to create disturbances—the organisers said they were able to hold the rally as planned, with a large crowd in attendance.