Around 20 people were injured after the police fired water cannons and teargas at an anti-government protest by the National People’s Power in Colombo this afternoon (26).
They have been admitted to Colombo National Hospital for treatment.
Fort and Maradana police, citing inconvenience to the public, had obtained prohibition orders from courts against NPP leader Anura Kumara Dissanayake and 25 others and closed several roads.
However, the protestors marched from near Viharamaha Devi Park, when police ordered them to disperse as they were blocking the road and a heated exchange of words ensued.
At Ibbanwala Junction, they came under water cannon and teargas attacks.
The demonstration was held to protest against the postponement of the local government polls and increases in taxes and electricity tariffs etc.
Later, they gathered at Lipton Circus, where a rally took place.
