Leader of the Opposition Sajith Premadasa stated yesterday that the police should read the constitution and protect the people's right to association and expression, rather than serving as a puppet of the government.

“I propose that the police read the constitution first and desist from acting as a government stooge. During a rally in Independence Square, Mr. Premadasa said, "They should leave the quarantine activities to the health officials." The SJB organized the protest in response to what they described as a suppression of people's rights.

“On Thursday, we witnessed how a Buddhist monk and trade unionists were dragged for quarantine. This is illegal because it is the role of the health authorities, not the police, to quarantine people. Everyone should be subject to the law. He questioned the cops, "Why aren't you arresting us?"

“In the next days, we will stage a series of protests against the administration, bringing together all political parties,” he stated.