National Freedom Front leader Wimal Weerawansa said, a short while ago, that Joint Opposition protesters would spend the night in Colombo. 

Weerawansa, making a brief speech at the rally near the Lake House roundabout said, their supporters would protest protest overnight and send a strong warning signal to the government.

"This is happening for the first time in this country," he said, in his speech, adding that protesters had taken over the city of Colombo. 

However, only the roads leading up to the Lake House roundabout and adjoining areas were blocked due to the protest. Other parts of the city functioned normally, with less traffic and less crowds. 

"The government must understand the message highlighted by all these people. Don't lay your hands on the sovereignty of the country," he added. 

Former President Mahinda Rajapaksa and former Defence Secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa have joined the 'Jana Balaya Kolambata' protest. 

The former President is expected to address the protest shortly.