Protest Against Electricity Tariff Hike Leads to Arrest of Six Individuals on Colombo-Divulapitiya Main Road

November 01, 2023

Tensions flared during a protest against the increase in electricity tariffs, leading to the arrest of six individuals, including Sanjeewa Dhammika, the secretary of the Electricity Consumers' Association, and a Buddhist monk. The demonstration, which unfolded on the Colombo-Divulapitiya main road in Horagasmulla, temporarily disrupted traffic in the area.

The protest, organized to voice discontent over the recent rise in electricity tariffs, drew participants who sought to convey their concerns and call for a reevaluation of the tariff structure. However, as the demonstration intensified, it led to the blocking of the Colombo-Divulapitiya main road, causing inconvenience to commuters and drawing the attention of law enforcement.

In response to the situation, the police moved to disperse the protesters and subsequently arrested six individuals involved in the demonstration. Among those apprehended were Sanjeewa Dhammika, the secretary of the Electricity Consumers' Association, and a Buddhist monk.

The increase in electricity tariffs has been a subject of concern for many, and protests have emerged as a platform for citizens to voice their grievances.