Tear gas and water cannon against protesting port employees

UPDATE: Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse protesting harbour employees at the Lotus Road in Colombo.  

Heavy traffic reported in the Colombo Fort area due to a protest march by employees of the Colombo Port.

Lotus Road was temporarily closed off due to the protest march, which caused severe traffic congestion in the area and on nearby roads. 

The protest march, organized by the Ports Protection Union Front (PPUF) against the sale of the Eastern Terminal of the Colombo Port, commenced from near the Khan Clock Tower in Fort this afternoon. 

Representatives from several trade unions are reportedly participating in the protest.