The first day was to end at Mawanella town, but owing to a court order prohibiting the march’s entry there, it concluded at the nearby Ganetenne.

A motion to get the order annulled was rejected.

The Kegalle magistrate refused to grant an order as requested by police to prevent the protesters from entering Kegalle town.

Last evening, ex-president Mahinda Rajapaksa said the event would begin today from Uthuwankanda, despite any prohibitions.

MP Dullas Alahapperuma said all MPs of the joint opposition would take part.

MP Johnston Fernando said at its commencement yesterday from Getambe that the government was frightened of the march by the former president.