26 arrested as JO protesters clash with police
October 6, 2017 01:20 pm
Twenty-six persons have been arrested for unruly behavior following a tense situation during the protest opposite the Indian Consulate in Hambantota, a short while ago.
Meanwhile it has also been reported that at least three police officers were injured as a result of the clash, which broke out after police attempted to disperse the protesters.
Police had used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the individuals engaged in the protest, launched against the agreement to handover operations of the Hambantota port and Mattala airport to two foreign companies.
The protest was organized by the Joint Opposition with the participation of several of its MPs including Namal Rajapaksa, Mahindananda Aluthgamage, Prof. G.L. Peiris, Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena and Sanath Nishantha.
The protest was scheduled to be held near the Mattala Airport today, however the venue was changed to Indian consulate in Hambanota after police had obtained a court order preventing any protests being held near the airport.
