The stay order was issued as a result of the violence which erupted in Jaffna this week during a protest against the alleged rape and murder of a girl in Jaffna.

Police spokesman ASP Ruwan Gunasekera said that the ban on protests was issued after information was received that some groups were going to stage protests demanding the release of 130 people arrested over the Jaffna violence.

The police had arrested 130 people following the violence and they were later remanded after being produced in court.

The police had to use tear gas to disperse the protesters who had also hurled stones at the Jaffna court building.

Gunasekera said that anyone violating the court ban will be arrested.

At least three groups were preparing to stage protests in Jaffna to demand the release of the 130 people.