Tear gas used on IUSF protest against SAITM

Police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesting university students near the Viharamahadevi Park in Colombo.  

The protest march was organized by the Inter University Students’ Federation (IUSF) over several issues such as the private medical college in Malabe (SAITM) and curtailing student admission to universities.

Severe traffic congestion had been reported in Colombo as the protesters reached Union Place in Colombo. The Galle Face entry road was closed from Lotus Roundabout while the road from Ibbanwala Junction was also due to the agitation.   

Heavy traffic was reported in and around those areas as a result of the road closure and protest march. 

Earlier today, the Colombo Magistrate’s Court turned down a request made by police to issue a stay order preventing the protest.