A major anti-government protest march has been scheduled to take place at 3 p.m. today. The march has been organized by several mass organizations, trade unions and civil society organizations. At least 12 mainstream political parties and 150 organizations have expressed their support for the march.

Coinciding with the protest march a joint statement has also been signed by the supporting parties including the Samagi Jana Balawegaya, Tamil National Alliance, Frontline Socialist Party, Sri Lanka Freedom Party and 27 other organisations. However, the National People's Power led by the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna has announced it will not be part of today’s protest.

The planned protest march will commence at 3 p.m. from Elphinstone Hall and proceed to the Fort Railway Station.

The joint statement signed by the supporting parties and organisations says it is being held against the state-sponsored oppression that has been unleashed on the people for requesting solutions to their problems in the current economic crisis as well as the violation of the people’s fundamental rights. The organizers are calling on the government to repeal the draconian Prevention of Terrorism Act and to release all suspects currently being held under it. They are also demanding the government stop its crackdown on peaceful protests and halt all arrests of those taking part in such agitations among several other requests.