Protest Against Oxford Union Cancellation
By Dinouk Colombage – Photo by Thusitha Kumara
The Oxford Union’s cancellation of President Mahinda Rajapaksa’s address resulted in protests from members of the Sri Lankan Government and public alike. On Friday, Housing, Construction and Engineering Services Minister, Wimal Weerawansa organised a protest rally outside the British High Commission in Colombo.
Outside the British High Commission a notice had been put up stating that the ‘Consular Section of the British High Commission will be closed to the public on Friday. When The Sunday Leader contacted the British High Commission for further comment, Dominic Williams, spokesperson for the High Commission, explained that ‘the British High Commission was not closed’. He however added that ‘all non-essential staff had been advised to stay home’ and this was due to any traffic congestion or road closure as a result of the protest.
The protest caused the closure of Baudhaloka Mawatha from Wijerama Junction to the Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation Junction.