6 members of the People's Struggle Group arrested

Six individuals have been arrested by the police during a protest held today (03) in Colombo by the Jan Aragalaya (People's Struggle) movement against the government's tax policies and the rapidly increasing cost of living. Police sources state that the suspects were arrested on charges of participating in an unlawful assembly. They were arrested for obstructing the public by engaging in an unlawful assembly without court permission.

This protest march, organized under the theme 'Reduce the burden of living - Fulfill promises,' commenced this afternoon near Campbell Park in Borella. The group then proceeded through Borella Junction and Maradana, arriving in front of the Pettah Central Bus Stand to express their protest. Police stated that the route taken by the march caused severe traffic congestion in the Borella and Maradana areas.

Through this protest, they primarily urged the authorities to immediately abolish the unjust taxes imposed on the people and the taxes levied on essential health, education, and other services. Additionally, they demanded a swift reduction in the prices of essential consumer goods including rice, dhal, and coconut, relief for people burdened by debt, and an increase in state allocations for public transport, health, and education sectors. The protesters further emphasized that the government's monthly minimum relief allowance for a family should be increased to Rs. 15,000, proportionate to the prevailing high cost of living.