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Results for “protests”

People's Struggle Movement protests near Parliament demanding repeal of anti-terror laws

November 4·2 sources

The People’s Struggle Movement staged a protest near Parliament on 4 November 2026, demanding the repeal of the Prevention of Terrorism Act and other security legislation. Demonstrators, joined by groups including the Frontline Socialist Party and Women’s Movement for Freedom, carried mock prison windows, painted their bodies, and disrupted vehicular traffic. Protesters opposed the PTA, the proposed PSTA, and a third law—identified as the Online Safety Act by FT.lk, but as the Organized Crime Act by Virakesari. Addressing the rally, executive committee member Vasantha Mudalige warned that the proposed laws would suppress public dissent against government economic policies and undermine civil liberties.

PoliticsEnglishதமிழ்

Opposition protests in Parliament on 3 November over blocked no-confidence motion against Speaker

November 4·12 sources

Opposition MPs staged a protest in Parliament on 3 November 2026 after Deputy Speaker Rizvie Salih refused immediate permission to raise privilege issues over a blocked no-confidence motion against Speaker Dr. Jagath Wickramaratne. Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa argued that rejecting the motion—signed by 44 MPs containing 50 charges—violated parliamentary privileges and democratic rights. MP Dayasiri Jayasekara noted that the motion had been set aside on sub judice grounds. Salih said five privilege questions arrived after 9:00 a.m. and required examination. However, The Morning reported that Jayasekara and MP Mujibur Rahman disputed this, stating they had submitted theirs before 9:00 a.m. Opposition MPs displayed placards and chanted slogans in the chamber, while Dinamina reported that parliamentary staff prevented several opposition members from attempting to take the Mace.

PoliticsEnglishසිංහලதமிழ்

Global cost-of-living crisis sparks protests across the Americas, Europe and Asia

November 4·1 source

A surging cost of living is driving anti-government protests and riots across the Americas, Europe and Asia, and is set to shape US midterm elections, according to Daily FT. Protests in the European Union involve adolescents facing unaffordable higher education and grim employment prospects for Generation Z amid expanding robotics and artificial intelligence. The report attributes the crisis to supply constraints driven by wars and climate change, which remain beyond the control of monetary authorities. It warns that central banks' policies of raising interest rates and cutting public spending will fail, ultimately reducing investment, increasing unemployment and worsening poverty levels.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

National Peace Council warns three proposed bills risk enabling state repression

October 24·1 source

The National Peace Council expressed deep concern that three bills before Parliament risk entrenching excessive state power and enabling repression under the National People’s Power government. The draft laws are the Protection of the State from Terrorism Bill, the Prevention of Organised Crimes Bill, and the NGO Registration and Supervision Bill. The council warned the terrorism bill risks bringing legitimate political protests, trade union actions, and civil disobedience under terrorism offences, alongside prolonged detention and restricted legal access. Petitions challenging it were heard by the Supreme Court. Additionally, the council stated the organised crimes bill was introduced without public discussion, granting extensive surveillance powers, detentions of up to a year, and the admissibility of confessions to police.

PoliticsEnglish

Government urged to heed protests for fairer taxes and ease burden

October 16·1 source

The Jana Aragala Movement and the Frontline Socialist Party staged a protest march in Colombo on 3 October, demanding the removal of unfair tax policies and relief from the rising cost of living. President and Finance Minister Anura Kumara Dissanayake's National Power (NPP) government faces pressure to address the human cost of its tax arithmetic, balancing fiscal discipline with the needs of ordinary citizens. The report says direct taxes burden professionals and workers, while indirect taxes like VAT hit basic goods such as flour, books, and medicine, regardless of ability to pay. It warns that ignoring tax relief could alienate the NPP's core working- and middle-class base, curb consumption and savings, and risk street protests and strikes that damage investor confidence.

Economy & BusinessEnglish

AKD vows to scrap PTA this year, replace with targeted organised crime law | Daily FT

June 26·1 source

President Anura Kumara Dissanayake pledged to repeal Sri Lanka's controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act (PTA) this year, replacing it with a new, narrowly defined Organised Crime Act. He also committed to replacing the current Online Safety Act with a revised framework. Dissanayake emphasized his administration's dedication to upholding civil liberties, democracy, and human rights, contrasting its approach with previous governments by highlighting restraint in handling protests and rejecting allegations of influencing the judiciary.

PoliticsEnglish