Colombo (News 1st) – Violence broke out in Maradana close to the city centre in Sri Lanka’s capital city as police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse a group of peaceful protesters practicing a satyagraha.

The sathyagraha was protesting President Wickremesinghe’s decision to lavishly celebrate Sri Lanka’s 75th Anniversary of Independence in the backdrop of growing food medicine and energy shortages, the government declaring bankruptcy 10 months ago, skyrocketing cost of living and a recession in which thousands have lost jobs.

The sathyagraha had been going on peacefully from mid afternoon until police moved in at approximately 11:30 a.m, News 1st journalsts on the scene reported.

Steel-helmeted police in full anti-riot gear were seen chasing protesters down the streets and alleyways of Maradana.

• One dead, three missing in waterfall tragedy
• Parliament adopts motion to direct privilege issues to AG
• Tax revenue should be growth friendly – IMF
• Sri Lanka’s Social Safety Net programs suffer from poor targeting – IMF
• Law College Exams: Parliament votes against English Only gazette