UNP supporters in Janarala

This is the first ever public rally held to challenge the government since the United National Party (UNP) and the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP Mahajana Faction) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to work together.

Ex ministers of Mahinda Rajapaksha’s government Mangala Samaraweera and Sripathi Suriyaarachchi led the protest march.

Success of this protest march is evidence for the resentment to this government by the general public Mangala Samaraweera

The rally which marched from Campbell Park to Hyde Park was joined by thousands of Sri Lanka Freedom party supporters and United National Party members.

Beginning of the end

Speaking to Sandeshaya convener of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (Mahajana Faction) Mangala Samaraweera said “this is the beginning of the end of this government”

"Success of this protest march is evidence for the resentment to this government by the general public” he added.

	UNP and SLFP supporters in Janarala

“We expect to bring all forces against this government within the next three months”, Secretary General of the United National Party Tissa Attanayaka told Sandeshaya.

“People have lost their trust in this government and if people are not with the government it can not remain in the office” Attanayake added.

New government

Ex Minister Sripathi Suriyaarachchi said that their aim is to form a new government.

“I am sure we will be joined by fifteen government ministers to form a new government”, he said.

“Mangala who helped to create this government has come out of it and this has given people a new hope”, National Organiser of the United National Party S.B. Dissanayake said.

The rally was held in the Hyde Park amidst the tight security.

Anti-UNP rallies

Meanwhile, anti - UNP rallies organised by the government were held in different parts of the country.

Supporters of the government shouted slogans which praised the war victory in Thoppigala and criticised the opposition leaders' comments.

The opposition leader Ranil Wikramashinge is reported to have described Toppigala as a jungle without refering it as a tiger stronghold.

He was criticised by several political parties for not appreciating the army's victory over LTTE.

Protesters who obstructed the main highways brought the traffic into halt in various cities.