Day 2 Of Satyagraha For Salley Sees Low Turnout

COLOMBO (News 1st); A protest campaign targeting investigators of the Easter Sunday terror attacks entered its second day opposite the Fort Railway Station, with representatives from several opposition political parties continuing their satyagraha amid growing controversy and tension.

The demonstration, which began yesterday, centers on strong criticism directed at officials of the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) and the Attorney General’s Department, who are currently engaged in probing the devastating Easter Sunday attacks that claimed 278 lives.

Despite its high-profile launch, only a small group of protesters remained at the site from last night into this afternoon.

Notably, by around 10:30 a.m. today, none of the key political figures who spearheaded the protest at its inception were present at the location.

During the day, a tense situation briefly emerged when an individual attempted to express views at the protest site, leading to a heated exchange with participants before police intervened to de-escalate the situation.

The protest site had drawn significant attention the previous night, with several prominent political figures making appearances. Former ministers Udaya Gammanpila and Wimal Weerawansa, along with former Parliamentarian Jayantha Samaraweera and former Governor Anuradha Yahampath, visited the location around 8:30 p.m.

Wimal Weerawansa, leader of the National Freedom Front, departed the protest site around 10:15 p.m., while Gammanpila remained until shortly after midnight. Other political figures who attended gradually left the location throughout the evening.

Protesters spent the night singing patriotic songs, creating an atmosphere charged with emotion, nationalism, and political messaging.

The satyagraha is primarily aimed at applying pressure for the release of former State Intelligence Chief, retired Major General Suresh Salley, who is currently being detained under the Prevention of Terrorism Act.

Protesters have openly criticized investigative officials, raising concerns over attempts to influence ongoing legal proceedings.