Galleface was the centre of Aragalaya protests in 2022 which paved the way for the resignation of former president Gothabaya Rajapaksa.After that there have been lot of rumours about the Galleface and how governments manage this area.
Media Reports
A news report of Daily Mirror implicates that the recent Cabinet decision restricts Galle Face Green solely to religious, festival, and musical events, effectively banning political gatherings and demonstrations.
The newspaper report being shared in WhatsApp also.
We decided to do a fact check on this.
Fact Check
What Happened?
On November 5, 2024, the Cabinet decided to lift the 2023 restrictions that allowed only religious activities at Galle Face Green, re-opening the venue for festivals, musical events, and religious activities. This reversal means the public may once again use Galle Face Green for various forms of celebration and entertainment, provided they meet established criteria. Cabinet decision can be read here
The government noted its intention to make the administration of the Galle Face Ground more organized, transparent, and aligned with the concept of a “clean and green” Galle Face Green. The Cabinet’s move aims to make the location welcoming and accessible to both local and foreign visitors, incurring an estimated maintenance cost of Rs. 2.5–3.0 million per month. However, no specific mention of political activities or gatherings was made in the official statement.
Clarification from the President’s Media Division
When asked about the Cabinet decision’s implications for political activities, the President’s Media Division clarified that political events could still be held at Galle Face Green. This suggests that while the decision did not explicitly address political gatherings, they are not necessarily prohibited. The omission in the Cabinet statement has led to some confusion, but the President’s Media Division’s response indicates that such events are permissible.
Vijitha Herath: However, in the cabinet media brefing, Minister Vijitha Herath said even May rallies and etc can be held in Galleface Green.So,it`s clear that political meetings are not banned in Galleface. His statement can be listned in below video.
Background: Aragalaya Protests and Galle Face Green
Galle Face Green was the central site for the 2022 Aragalaya protests that contributed to the resignation of then-President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. In 2023, the government restricted the use of the venue to religious purposes, likely due to its association with political activism and protests. This latest decision appears to be a step toward reopening the space for broader public use while maintaining oversight on event types and administrative protocols.
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Conclusion
The recent Cabinet decision does not explicitly prohibit political activities at Galle Face Green but does open the venue for festivals, religious activities, and musical events. The President’s Media Division’s clarification that political rallies are still permitted supports the conclusion that such gatherings are not banned, though they are not specifically mentioned in the Cabinet decision.
Title:Has the Cabinet banned political gatherings at Galle Face Green?
Written By: Fact Crescendo TeamResult: Misleading
