Police use tear gas and water cannons to disperse IUSF protesters

The police fired tear gas on students of the Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF) who were protesting near the Technical College Junction in Maradana yesterday. Pix by Pradeep Dilrukshana 

Police yesterday fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protest march organised jointly by the Inter-University Student Federation (IUSF) and the Collective of Trade Unions and Mass Organisations.

Although the police, anti-riot units and water cannons were deployed near the Technical Junction to disperse the march which started from near Maradana Elphinstone Theatre, the marchers changed the course and proceeded towards the Colombo Municipal Council City Hall when the security forces fired tear gas and water cannons near the Ministry of Health and dispersed the protesters. Amidst tear gas and water cannons, the protestors again moved towards the Technical Junction, and the police and anti-riot units were also seen chasing them and working to disperse the protest. The Police Media Spokesman said the police have arrested 25 protestors.

This protest was organised to force the Government to stop the repression of activists carried out by using the Prevention of Terrorism Act and to demand the release of the arrested ‘Aragalaya’ activists.