Journalist arrested during chaotic protest in Colombo

COLOMBO (News 1st); Journalist Tharindhu uduwaragedara, was arrested by police during a protest held by Trade Unions on Friday (28) afternoon.

The Police media division said, this arrest was made on the charges of being a member of an illegal assembly and criminal coercion of a government official. 

The protest during which Tharindu Uduwaragedara was arrested, was organized by the Joint Development Officers' Union and other trade unions.

The protest was against the attempts to loot the pension funds, failure to solve the workers issues, pension slashing, and unjust labour laws, that are being done by the state under the guise of restructuring domestic debt,

The protest was to take place opposite the National Hospital in Colombo.

However, Sri Lanka Police arriving at the protest site announced that a court order had set restrictions on the protest.

Thereafter, the group protested at the Borella Junction.

Thereafter, the group proceeded along Cotta Road in Borella.

Sri Lanka Police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the group opposite the Sahaspura Housing Complex.

Residents were also inconvenienced due to the use of water cannons.

A woman who was injured during the protest was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital.

A spokesperson for the hospital said that she continues to remain treatment.

Journalist Tharindu Uduwaragedara was detained at the Borella Police and will be produced in court on Saturday (29).