Colombo (News 1st); A middle-aged man climbed onto a lamp-post opposite the Matara Urban Council on Monday (14) morning to protest the UC decision to construct a wall that advertently blocked the road to his house.

According to eye-witness reports and video recorded at the scene, the man was seen holding a bottle of kerosene and remained on to the lamp-post for more than an hour.

Sri Lanka Police said the incident caused traffic congestion in Matara as well.

The 39-year-old father of three threatened to set himself on fire if anyone got close to him.

Local reports suggest, authorities used unnecessary force to bring the man down, posing a risk to his own life.

The protesting father of three was arrested and Sri Lanka Police said he would be charged with obstructing public movement.

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