The number of the participants from outstations was calculated by the intelligence through information provided by police stations and informants.

Many who had come to Colombo for the protest had returned without waiting for a sit-down protest at Lake House Roundabout.

To Lake House Roundabout via five roads

The protestors, carrying banners and placards and led by JO MPs, arrived at the venue via five roads – Kandy Road, Baseline Road, Maligawatte Road, Negombo Road and Town Hall Roads.

Ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa, former defence secretary Gotabhaya Rajapaksa, JO leader Dinesh Gunawardena, Wimal Weerawansa, Udaya Gammanpila and other joined in at Bo Tree Junction at Pettah.

Several Sri Lankans living abroad, members of ‘Viyath Maga’ and retired military officers too, attended.

Heavy traffic congestion was seen in Colombo roads due to the processions.

Protestors at Lake House Roundabout

Weerawansa and Bandula Gunawardena addressed the protestors at Lake House Roundabout.

Day was peaceful – police

Police and STF beefed up security in the city, especially near the presidential secretariat, President’s House and Temple Trees.

Police media spokesman Ruwan Gunasekara said no untoward incident had been reported during the day.

No attempt at sabotage had taken place, but vehicular traffic on some roads was disrupted, he said.