The Samagi Jana Balawegaya has decided to proceed with the protest planned for November 16 despite the new regulations issued by the Health authorities.

SJB General Secretary Ranjith Madduma Bandara told the media that the new regulations have been issued to suppress the opposition's protest.

"There was a time when about 250-300 people died due to COVID19 but we didn't see such regulations. Ahead of our protest, however, the government has announced new regulations to protect the public," Madduma Bandara said.

The protest will take place in Colombo on November 16 under the patronage of Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. The main objective of the protest is to show the resentment of the public towards the rising cost of living, fertiliser shortage and the shortage of consumer items.