People from outstation areas begin arriving for the Nugegoda rally

The first public rally organized jointly by several opposition groups against the government—based on 21 key issues—is scheduled to be held today (Nov. 21) in Nugegoda.

The rally, titled “The Great Voice of the People Against the Deceptive Malima Government’s Foolish Rule,” is being organized by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) and is set to begin at 2 p.m. at the Ananda Samarakoon Open Air Theatre in Nugegoda.

According to the organizers, the protest is being held on the basis of 21 grievances, including:

• The suspicious release of shipping containers
• The failure to reduce fuel prices as promised
• The failure to reduce electricity tariffs by one-third
• Protecting the “rice mafia”
• Increasing the tax burden
• Undermining the nation's dignity
• Favoritism toward political allies
• Corruption involving ministers’ and MPs’ assets
• Failure to provide jobs for graduates and qualified youth
• Pushing farmers into hardship
• Escalating cost of living
• Undermining the rule of law
• Spreading hatred
• Politicizing everything
• Destroying local culture
• Disregarding war heroes
• Forming friendships with separatist groups
• Entering into fraudulent agreements
• Being exposed for making false statements
• Failing to serve the country
• Having no future plan for the nation
• The SLPP states that the rally’s purpose is to pressure the government to fulfill its promises.

SLPP General Secretary, Attorney-at-Law Sagara Kariyawasam, said that the rally is being held to push the government to honor the commitments it made to the people.

Commenting on the event, MP Namal Rajapaksa said:

“A strong public opinion is rising in the country—that this government has become one that lies endlessly, cannot work, and is incapable of delivering results. The opposition has a responsibility to awaken the government and remind it of its obligations. We are fulfilling that responsibility.”

Provincial correspondents report that large numbers of buses from regions such as Kandy, Anuradhapura, and Badulla departed early this morning to attend the rally.

Organizers say that around 270 buses from various areas have already left for Nugegoda. Former Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena stated that many buses are also expected from Galle, Matara, Hambantota, and Kalutara districts. He added that buses using the expressway will be departing after 11 a.m. today.