Sri Lanka : 130 people hospitalized following violence in Colombo

COLOMBO (News 1st); 130 people injured & hospitalized following the tense situation between pro-government and peaceful protestors at MynaGoGama and GotaGoGama protest sites.

A normal Monday morning turned in to a scene of chaos, after pro-government supporters attacked the MynaGoGama protest site near Temple Trees following a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa, where he announced he is willing to make any sacrifice for the people.

The meeting at Temple Trees was organized by the Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna Local Government Members Forum and saw hundreds in attendance.

Following this meeting, the pro-government supporters attacked the MynaGoGama protest site near Temple Trees and dismantled the camp.

Thereafter, they moved to the main protest site in Galle Face known as GotaGoGama and destroyed several tents and assaulted peaceful protestors.

Sri Lanka Police, the Riot Police, Sri Lanka Army and other law enforcement agencies were called in to control the situation and Sri Lanka Police eventually imposed an island wide curfew to control the unrest.

Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary Gen. (Retd) Kamal Gunaratne earnestly requests the general public to support the tri forces and remain calm and exercise restraint.

In a statement, the Defence Ministry said that the tri forces personnel have been called up to assist the police to contain the present situation at the Galle Face and adjacent areas in order to maintain security and ensure public safety.