Opposition leader Sajith Premadasa has called on the government to release actress Damitha Abeyratne who was arrested last night by the Police. Abeyratne was arrested on charges relating to forcibly entering the President's Office during the recent protests in July 2022.

Making a special statement in parliament today Premadasa said “I visited the Fort Police station today to see actress Damitha Aneyratne. She had been informed to be present before the Police on 9 September. But she was arrested at a protest in Diyatha Uyana yesterday. I would like to tell the chief government whip to stop hunting her down. She has done nothing illegal. She has not been violent nor damaged public or private property. She has only exercised her human rights. Therefore intervene to secure her release” he said.