Protestors occupying the Galle Face Green were seen vacating the premises today ahead of the 5.00 p.m. deadline set by the Police. The Colombo Fort Police had informed those occupying tents and temporary shelters at the Galle Face protest site to vacate the premises by 5.00 p.m. on August 5 and threatened legal action against those who do not comply. 

The library and the school of Gotagogama has been dismantled while the St. John’s Ambulance Service providing medical care also moved out yesterday. Several organisations involved in the protest such as the Black Cap Movement and the Collective of Social Media Activists releasing statements said they have also decided to move out.

While many activist groups have since vacated the grounds, some holding a press conference on Wednesday said they will not move despite the Police warnings. 

Nevertheless giving the protestors a respite, the Attorney General today told the Court of Appeal that the camp site at Gotagogama will not be removed till 10 August in the absence of the necessary legal provisions.

Fr. Jeevantha Peiris, a key activist in the Galle Face citizen’s struggle has filed a fundamental rights petition before the Supreme Court, seeking an order to prevent his arrest. 

Western Province Senior DIG Dheshabandu Tennekoon, IGP, Army Commander, Air Force Commander, Navy Commander and the Attorney General has been named as respondents. 

In his petition Fr. Jeevantha claims the authorities are attempting to arrest him for no just cause leading to the violation of his fundamental rights and therefore requesting the court to issue an order preventing his arrest.

The Colombo Cheif Magistrates Courts today ordered Aragalaya activist Dhaniz Ali to be remanded till August 15. 

Ali is being accused of forcibly entering the National Rupavahini Corporation premises and demanding the interruption of its transmission services on July 9. His application for bail will be considered on August 15 when he is produced before the court, Colombo Chief Magistrate Nandana Amarasinghe said. 

The Department of Prisons has also been ordered to present Ali once again in court tomorrow (02).