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The "Janasena" protest march of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party against the UNF Government ran into a crisis yesterday with a large segment of the Buddhist clergy withdrawing their participation at the last moment.

Members of the Sangha who were expected to join the rally opposite the BMICH called-off their march unexpectedly at the last minute for unknown reasons. The protest campaign, called for the ousting of the government against the high cost of living, wage demands, the government's handling of the peace process etc. and a host of other issues took a predictable course with committed party supporters being ferried to the city from the outstations to swell the ranks of the protestors.

Agitators in large numbers gathered arrived in the city from five locations. The PA and SLFP supporters led by Opposition Leader Mahinda Rajapakse gathered at the Henry Pedris Grounds at Dickman's Road while the party trade unions met at Campbell Park led by the Western Province Governor Alavi Mowlana and John Seneviratne. Members of islandwide District organisations which gathered at Sugathadasa Stadium marched to the main venue the Colombo Town Hall led by MP Anura Bandaranaike.

Although yesterday was Deepavali, traffic jams were seen all around Colombo since only one-way traffic was permitted. Mobile unarmed police squads were deployed to prevent any out break of violence.

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