Demonstration in Italy:

JVP, UNP and TNA refused permission

The demonstration organised by the JVP, UNP and TNA, with the tacit support of the LTTE, to be held in front of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in Italy, to request the release of Sarath Fonseka, turned into a damp squib, as the protesters were not permitted to stand in front of the Embassy and cry out their anti-Government slogans to the benefit of the Italian public.

It has been customary for the Italian Government to permit such demonstrations, as the Italian Government respects the right to demonstrate against any institution. The JVP, which is registered in Italy, obtained the permission to hold the demonstration on Thursday and declared that the demonstration will take place in front of the Embassy.

Sri Lankan Ambassador in Italy Hemantha Warnakulasuriya, made a special appeal to the Italian Interior Minister, Roberto Maroni to Italian Foreign Minister, Franco Frattini and Italian Foreign Ministry officials, stating that the demonstration is a combination of forces that had the active support of the LTTE.