University Students Clash With Colombo Police

COLOMBO (News 1st); During a protest held in front of the University of Colombo, tensions escalated as a group, which included members of the University of Peradeniya Student Union, clashed with the police.

A protest took place opposite the University of Colombo, organized by the University of Peradeniya Students’ Union. 

The protest aimed to address the erosion of fundamental rights that impact the general population, including access to free education and healthcare. 

Notably, students from various other universities across the island also participated in this demonstration.

Earlier in the day, the Cinnamon Gardens Police made a formal request to the Colombo Chief Magistrate, Prasanna Alwis, seeking an order to halt a protest march organized by several university student bodies. However, the Magistrate rejected the request.

Multiple buses carrying students from University of Peradeniya underwent repeated inspections by the police during their journey.

Later in the afternoon, student activists congregated near thr Colombo University to voice their grievances. The police advised them not to obstruct the road.

Despite the police instructions, the students persisted with their protest march. Consequently, measures were taken to disperse the group.

Subsequently, the police deployed water cannons and tear gas to disperse the students.