(Lanka-e-news -29.Jan.2014, 1.30PM) Mammoth crowds attended the opposition procession and protest rally that were held at the Hyde park today (28) against the Medamulana regime. Opposition political parties , civil organizations and trade unions participated in their thousands. In addition people not affiliated to any organization also flocking to the venue in their thousands from far away places was a noteworthy feature.200 trade unions of government , semi government and private establishments , the University academic staff federation, Samagi Balavegaya comprised of about 150 civil organizations and opposition Balavegaya political parties participated in the events. The black January anniversary held every year organized jointly by the media organizations against the media suppression too was commemorated in conjunction with the protest demonstrations and rally . Due to the unprecedented and massive crowds spilling over to the roads , there was severe traffic congestion on the roads .
For the first time such a grand congregation of parties of diverse political hues and ideologies was witnessed .
General Fonseka who had organized an opposition procession of about 2000 participants starting from Gamini hall to Fort railway station coinciding with the Hyde park opposition procession and rally , and was to join in the Hyde park rally thereafter could not make it because of the severe traffic snarls causing a delay of about an hour on the road after the procession was over. He was therefore obstructed from arriving at the Hyde park to participate in the rally. In the circumstances, Ven. Maduluwawe Sobitha Thera who was in the front line at the Hyde park rally , and UNP gen. secretary Tissa Attanayake were contacted and intimated of the difficulties faced by Fonseka to come to Hyde park . He had apologizing on that account while also conveying the best wishes .
Jayantha Katagoda , the only M.P. of Fonseka’s party told Lanka e news , since the procession was organized ahead from Gamini Hall to Fort railway station , they were dispersing after addressing the people since it was too late to attend the Hyde park rally.
The JVP which had promised its organizers that they will be joining in the Hyde park procession and rally , however failed to participate at the last moment. Their trade unions too did not attend the procession.
Vasantha Samarasinghe the convener of the coordinating center of JVP trade unions who was saying they would be attending , and that they are on their way at Kadawatha and so forth when answering queries, finally did not turn up. Anura Dissanayake a member of the JVP politburo had told the JVP organizers and Hiru media , though they are unable to participate as a party , the trade unions which are opposed to the Rajapakse regime will be made to take part .
When Lanka e news tried to contact Anura Dissanayake via phone , he was not available for comment .
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