Nine arrested over health ministry Protest

The arrests come after the Maligakanda Magistrate’s Court issued an order prohibiting protests in specific areas from 12 noon today until 5 p.m. tomorrow (May 17). The court order restricts entry into Colombo Hospital Square and the premises of the Ministry of Health, and prohibits any disruption to hospital activities.

Police allege that the arrested protesters violated the court order during the demonstration. Authorities are continuing investigations, while civil rights groups and student unions have raised concerns over the arrests and the court’s restrictions on public demonstration.