Sri Lanka: Police forcibly disperse protest in Colombo April 3

Event

Police forcibly dispersed protesting university students in Colombo on Wednesday, April 3, who were calling for increasing the enrollment quota at Sabaragamuwa University. Demonstrators reportedly marched from Ayurveda Junction (Rajagiriya area) to Parliament Roundabout (Battaramulla area) and were dispersed by police armed with tear gas and water cannons when they attempted to break through security barricades on Parliament Approach Road.

A heightened security presence has been implemented around Parliament. Localized traffic disruptions are to be expected in the area over the coming hours. Similar protests are possible in Colombo over the near term.  

Advice

Individuals in Colombo are advised to monitor developments to the situation, avoid all protests and demonstrations as a precaution, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities.