A protest under the theme, “No third term for Mahinda, Stop illegal presidential election!” was held yesterday afternoon in Colombo. It was organized by the People’s Movement for Democracy.

The rally took place at the Gunasinghapura Price Grounds on yesterday evening. A protest march which started from Campbell Park in Borella preceded the rally.

JVP Leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake, JHU Chairman Athuraliye Rathana Thera, MP Arjuna Ranatunga and other political and civil activists participated in this protest rally.

Speaking at the rally, Rathana Thera said that the aim of the movement will be to completely change the constitution. He added that defeating Mahinda Rajapaksa will not suffice. The constitution, which has caused much bloodshed in the country, must be defeated, he said. If possible this has to be done without resorting to a presidential election.

Rathana Thera also added that the rule of the law is in need of strengthening and being enforced.

Meanwhile, JVP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake said that the government was preparing to embark on an illegal path from midnight Wednesday. ‘We are ready to do anything that is necessary to stop them trying to do this’ he added.

Meanwhile MP Arjuna Ranatunga stated that all parties should forget their differences and unite under one banner to stop the government from going along the path they have planned.

As a result of the rally, heavy traffic was reported in and around Maradana last evening.