Court Restrains CEB Unionist’s Protest at Parliamentary Roundabout

The Colombo Chief Magistrate’s Court has issued an order restraining Ceylon Electricity Board (CEB) trade unionist Ranjan Jayalal and associated parties from staging protests on April 24 at the Parliamentary roundabout in a manner that disrupts the general public and violates the Parliamentary Privileges of public representatives.

The court’s directive, prohibits protestors from causing disturbances to the public, blocking roads, or causing harm to individuals while exercising their right to protest. This decision comes amidst growing tensions between the CEB trade unionists and governmental authorities over various issues, including the proposed electricity sector reforms.

A protest is to underway against the proposed electricity sector reforms, outlined in the recently published Sri Lanka Electricity Bill. Scheduled for presentation in the next parliamentary sitting, the bill incorporates amendments suggested by stakeholders in JanuaryThe revised bill allows the public a two-week window from its presentation to challenge its legality in the Supreme Court. The forthcoming protest underscores the contentious nature of the reforms and the concerns raised by various stakeholders regarding their potential impact on the electricity sector and the public at large.

The order underscores the court’s commitment to upholding the rule of law and ensuring that protests are conducted peacefully and within the bounds of legal and parliamentary regulations. It highlights the delicate balance between the right to protest and the need to maintain public order and safety. (LankaXpress.com)