Sri Lanka: Police arrest nine people as forces raid anti-government protest camp

COLOMBO (News 1st); Sri Lanka Police said that nine people were arrested following a joint operation carried out early on Friday (22) morning to remove protestors who were occupying the main entrance to the President's Office and the surrounding area.

Sri Lanka Police said that the joint operation was carried out by the Three-Armed Forces, and the Police Special Task Force.

Several people who were injured have been admitted to hospital, said Sri Lanka Police.

It added that the suspects arrested are between the ages of 26 & 58, and are residents from Kelaniya, Embilipitiya, Ja-Ela, Ratnapura, Sevanagala, Wellampitiya, Pitigala, Wadduwa, and Nugegoda.

The suspects will be produced to court today (22), said Sri Lanka Police.

In addition, Police Scene Of Crime Officers have begun an investigation at the premises, and forensics will be called in when the need arises, said a statement from Sri Lanka Police.

It added that the investigations are supervised by an SSP for the Colombo Central Division, and security has been tightened at the premises.