JVP, PA, Muslims demonstrate against war in Iraq

[TamilNet, Friday, 14 February 2003, 13:11 GMT]
The marxist parliamentary group, Janata Vimukti Peramuna (JVP), opposition Peoples Alliance (PA) party members, and members of several muslim organizations held a protest march against the American war policy in Iraq, Friday afternoon in downtown Colombo, sources in the Sri Lanka capital said.



Hundreds of demonstrants march towards the US embassy from the Townhall in downtown Colombo


Hundreds of people attended the demonstration which started after 1.30pm prayer at Dawtga Palli, a muslim mosque, shouting slogans condemning the American belligerence to prosecute war unilaterally, undermining the importance of the United Nations, sources said.

Marchers were stopped by the Sri Lanka security forces as they tried to reach the American Embassy to hand over a memorandum to the officials at the Embassy, sources said. More than fifty police and security personnel guarded the embassy.

While the marchers were stopped, Wimal Weerawanse, JVP's propaganda secretary, addressed the marchers and the crowd was seen attempting to burn an American flag.


 


Janta Vimukti Peramuna Propaganda Secretary and leader of the JVP parlimentary group Mr. Wimal Weerawansa attempting to burn the US flag.



The US embassy was provided tight security by the Police and Special forces.

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