IUSF protest tear gassed twice in Colombo

COLOMBO (News 1st) - Sri Lanka Police fired tear gas and water cannons twice to disperse protesters led by the Inter-University Student's Federation in Colombo on Monday (16).

The protest was set to commence from Lipton Circus in Colombo, and based on that information a large police force coupled with the Riot Police were seen stationed at the Lipton Circus on Monday (16) afternoon. 

However, the protest commenced from opposite the United Nations office in Colombo.

The Inter-University Students' Federation organized this protest demanding the immediate release of Wasantha Mudalige who has been detained under the controversial Prevention of Terrorism Act for 150 days.

They also demanded the government reduce the prices of electricity, gas, and fuel while calling for the immediate abolishment of the Prevention of Terrorist Act.

In addition, the protesters demanded the state end the oppression targeting student leaders and called for the release of all detained activists. 

Civil groups and trade unions also supported the protest opposte the UN office where Sri Lanka Police deployed the Riot Police with Water Cannon trucks.

The group protested for almost half an hour opposite the UN office and then marched to Galle Road.

While the protesters were reaching the Colpetty Junction, a large force of Sri Lanka Police, Riot Police, and the Water Cannon trucks moved at them from Galle Face and announced a court order using loudspeakers.

Thereafter the group moved to Marine Driver via Sirikotha Mawatha, and St. Anthony's Mawatha to engage in the protest march.

However, when the Police Officers and Riot Police entered Marine Driver the protesters diverted back to Galle Road to protest.

At the Colpetty Junction, Police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd.

The protesters regrouped opposite the University of the Visual and Performing Arts to protest again.

Police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesters opposite the University of the Visual and Performing Arts, for the second time.