On a request by Peliyagoda police, the Colombo additional magistrate has issued an order to eight leaders of the joint opposition to hold final day of the protest peacefully, without breaching public peace or damaging state property.

The order has been given to Mahinda Rajapaksa, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Lohan Ratwatte, Udaya Gammanpila, Prasanna Ranatunga, Kanaka Herath, Prasanna Ranaweera and Amila Kumarasinghe.

Mahinda to be arrested?

Meanwhile, state minister Palitha Range Bandara has told the media that ex-president Rajapaksa would be a likely candidate to be the first leader to be arrested under a charge of illegal assembly.

This charge relates to the protesters having attacked an ambulance while on their way, and Rajapaksa should be held responsible as he has organized the march, said Range Bandara.

The march that ended from Kiribathgoda yesterday afternoon, is due to resume its journey at 9.00 am today, and will be joined by Rajapaksa from Peliyagoda.

During yesterday's proceedings, Rajapaksa told the media that they were yet to decide the venue for the rally that would follow the march.

Commenting on ongoing renovation work at Hyde Park, where they had planned to hold the rally, MP Namal Rajapaksa said that despite any disruptions by the government, thousands have joined in and that their plans would go ahead.

Ditches are being dug in the grounds that had been completely renovated one and a half years ago, he claimed, adding the government was wasting people’s money and trying to sabotage the people’s forces.