Peaceful protesters detained last night denied access to lawyers - Saliya Pieris

President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka President's Counsel Saliya Pieris has raised concerns over peaceful protesters, who were detained while they were staging the 'Satyagraha for freedom' yesterday in Maradana, being denied access to lawyers.

He stressed that the Police detaining access to legal counsel is in direct violation of Enforced Disappearance Act No.5 of 2018 which requires Police to give access to lawyers and relatives.

Police last night dispersed a group of peaceful activists staging a Satyagraha opposite Elphinstone Theatre in Maradana.

Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa confirmed that four people have been arrested.

Posting on social media President's Counsel Saliya Pieris further stressed that "Independence and freedom must be for the people and not limited to those in power."