Police Officer tears up as protestor gives him a hug, in Sri Lanka

COLOMBO (News 1st); A Sri Lankan Police Officer teared up whilst preventing protestors from walking beyond a barricade, in the north-western city of Kurunegala on Wednesday (6).

The emotional encounter was captured by News 1st cameras.

Protestors marched to the Prime Minister's Coordinating Office in Kurunegala, but, were prevented from reaching the site as Sri Lanka Police had set up roadblocks.

The young people reasoned with the Police Officers, highlighting the fact that it is young people who are most likely the same age as their own kids who are fighting for a better tomorrow.

One particular protestor continued to explain the hardships that they had to face due to the mismanagement of the economy, with one pointing out that after spending all his savings to create a passport, he came to know that airline ticket prices were increased by 27%, washing away his dreams of traveling overseas.

The young protestors appealed to the police officers to support their cause and join them, rather than using force to disperse the crowd.

"You are like a father to us," they told a Police Inspector who broke down in tears.

Protests, mostly organic, have erupted all over Sri Lanka, against the government and President in particular.