(Lanka-e-News-13.Feb.2012,11.45PM) Following the steep record breaking fuel price hikes, massive protests Island wide are raging in SL. Based on a decision taken by the Private bus owners Association , the private buses were withdrawn from the roads . The transport was completely crippled Island wide today. 46 persons were taken into custody allegedly for attacking buses which plied defying the strike. The police said as follows regarding the arrests.
1. ) 04 persons who attacked the driver and conductor of a private bus in the Narahenpita police division , and 25 others who were unruly were arrested.
2.) Jaela police division – 30 persons who obstructed a private bus at Ekala Madama junction traveling form Kurunegala to Colombo , and were violent were taken into custody by the police.
3.) Matara police division – 06 persons who attacked a CTB bus with stones and caused damage had been arrested. Another 08 persons were arrested for obstructing a bus when it tried to proceed after stopping , and for unruly conduct
The total number of persons arrested therefore was 46.Meanwhile , a strong protest was staged by the Negombo – Chilaw fishermen. These fishermen abandoning their fishing took to the road
along with their families and children irrespective of age . They claimed that if concessions on fuel are to be given to the bus operators , they should also be similarly granted. They also hooted
at the eputy Minister who arrived at the scene for discussions. Because they brought the boats to the roads and also burnt tires , the entire highway was blocked , whereby transport on those roads
were rendered impossible. Owing to the massive demonstrations of the fishermen , who also obstructed the railway lines , the Colombo –Chilaw train was suspended.
The Negombo - Chilaw fishing stalls were also closed.
The regime chief MaRa who returned to the Island yesterday after his Pakistan tour is scheduled to visit Singapore.
Herein are pictures which depict the protests that were staged
along with their families and children irrespective of age . They claimed that if concessions on fuel are to be given to the bus operators , they should also be similarly granted. They also hooted
at the eputy Minister who arrived at the scene for discussions. Because they brought the boats to the roads and also burnt tires , the entire highway was blocked , whereby transport on those roads
were rendered impossible. Owing to the massive demonstrations of the fishermen , who also obstructed the railway lines , the Colombo –Chilaw train was suspended.
The Negombo - Chilaw fishing stalls were also closed.
The regime chief MaRa who returned to the Island yesterday after his Pakistan tour is scheduled to visit Singapore.
Herein are pictures which depict the protests that were staged
