Police fire tear gas & water cannons at SYU protestors, 84 detained

COLOMBO (News 1st) - The police fired tear gas and aimed water cannons at Socialist Youth Union protestors who were engaged in a protest in the Maradana area against the Government's repressive measures.

The protestors initiated the march under the theme of re-energizing the people's protests and returning the power of the youth to Colombo.

The police previously announced that although the protest march was due to start from near the Lipton Roundabout in Colombo, they cannot allow it.

The Police said that 84 people have been detained by Sri Lanka Police for taking part in the protest organized by the Socialist Youth Union.

Several protestors who were injured during the protest were brought to Colombo National Hospital for treatment as well.