COLOMBO (News 1^st) – Police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse a protest organized by the Inter University Students’ Federation and Medical Faculty Students’ Action Committee.

The protest commenced from the University of Kelaniya, urging authorities to provide a sustainable solution to the issues pertaining to the medical faculty of SAITM. The protesters later marched towards the University Grants Commission.

The police Anti-riot squad was deployed and barriers were placed beside the University Grants Commission by the Police to prevent protesters from entering the premises. The students requested authorities to provide them with an opportunity to discuss their issues with relevant officials. However, since the students did not receive a satisfactory reply, they attempted to enter the premises by force.

The Police then fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd. Police media spokesman SP Ruwan Gunasekara said the police had to take this action since the students were inconveniencing the general public by obstructing the main road.

However earlier today (May 9), the Colombo Court Magistrate had ordered the Inter University Students’ Federation to act in a manner which would not disrupt the activities of the general public.