Sri Lanka opposition parties to hold protests in Colombo this week

Sri Lanka's main opposition United National Party (UNP) and the Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna (JVP) are to hold two separate anti-government rallies in Colombo this week calling for the release of former Army Commander Sarath Fonseka from prison.

The JVP is to hold a rally in Colombo on Tuesday (08) at the Lipton Circus calling for Fonseka's release and to protest against the current administration.

The UNP is to hold a similar rally the following day, Wednesday (09), at the Hyde Park.

The UNP is to call for Fonseka's release and protest against the suppression of the media in the country.