Salley Support Sathyagraha in Fort, Ends

COLOMBO (News 1st); A satyagraha launched by a group affiliated with the opposition near the Colombo Fort Railway Station came to an end this afternoon against a backdrop of mounting public tension, as court proceedings and investigation updates relating to the Easter Sunday attacks continued to unfold.

The protest had been organized while directing criticism at officials of the Criminal Investigation Department and the Attorney General’s Department, who are engaged in investigating the Easter Sunday terrorist attacks that claimed the lives of 278 people.

Demonstrators accused authorities of mishandling the probe.

Throughout the day, several individuals who arrived at the location openly expressed anger and frustration, accusing the protesters of obstructing the investigation process and attempting to interfere with efforts to deliver justice for the victims of the 2019 tragedy.

In emotionally charged confrontations, members of the public shouted at the demonstrators, voicing the pain and trauma still felt by families affected by the attacks. 

One individual, identifying himself as a former Air Force member, spoke out in anguish, recalling the loss of loved ones and questioning the motives of those protesting at a time when justice was being pursued. 

Another group of individuals opposing the satyagraha also voiced their disapproval, with chants directed at the protesters. In a separate incident, another visibly emotional man condemned the protest, stating that families had lost children and many were left disabled by the attacks, while no one had spoken out at the time.

The protest eventually concluded later in the afternoon. Addressing the decision to end the satyagraha, National Freedom Front Leader Wimal Weerawansa stated that the group would temporarily suspend the continuous demonstration until a medical report by a panel of five specialist psychiatrists is submitted to court. He expressed confidence that the panel would not issue a decision contradicting the findings of the Judicial Medical Officer.

He further claimed that the protest had already achieved a significant outcome, asserting that the suspect had been transferred from detention to the National Hospital for treatment.

However, at the launch of the protest on June 8, 2026, Weerawansa had taken a far stronger stance, alleging that the former State Intelligence Chief had been arrested under the Prevention of Terrorism Act without credible evidence being presented. He had also stated that the protest would continue uninterrupted until assurances were given that the suspect would not be returned to what he described as harsh detention conditions.