Seventeen persons, including the president of the Peliyagoda Manning Market Traders’ Association, were arrested by the police for organizing a protest despite a prohibition order by the court.
They were later ordered to be released on personal bail of Rs. 100,000 each by Colombo additional magistrate Manjula Ratnayake.
Police have obtained a restraining order against a planned protest by the Association after informing courts that it would inconvenience the public.
Despite the court order, some traders from the association including its president engaged in a protest yesterday morning.
They protested against the divesting of the market’s stalls to outsiders in violation of the promises given to them.
Meanwhile, the Urban Development Authority has refuted the allegation.
Its deputy director general E.A.C. Priyashantha said they were prepared to consider any appeals.
