The Cabinet of Ministers today decided to empower the Police to shoot unruly protestors with rubber bullets below their knees if they disrupt civilian life in Colombo tomorrow. 

The decision was made with regard to the protest march organized by the Joint Opposition tomorrow under the theme 'Jana Balaya Kolambata.'

The same decision was conveyed to the Defence Council. 

The Cabinet, chaired by President Maithripala Sirisena, decides to take stern action on anyone causing disturbance to the Police. 

The Cabinet decided to allow the Police to take action against unruly protestors under the Police Ordinance. 

However, two attempts made by the Police to obtain stay orders against the Joint Opposition protest did not bear fruit when magistrates turned down their requests. 

The Welikada and Cinnamon Garden Police stations attempted to obtain stay orders today citing difficulties and disturbances faces by civilians due to the protest.