31 Mar 2023 | 11:01 AM UTC
Sri Lanka: Youth activists to rally in Colombo, April 3
Youth activists to rally in Colombo, Sri Lanka, April 3. Increased security, localized disruptions likely.
Event
Youth activists affiliated with the Inter-University Students' Federation and related groups will rally in Colombo, April 3 to address various demands, including the release of the convenor of a student organization. Although organizers did not immediately announce a specific assembly point, typical gathering sites include prominent government buildings, public squares, and major thoroughfares. Previous well-attended demonstrations have attracted hundreds of participants.
Authorities will likely increase security near the gathering site and may forcibly disperse overly disruptive crowds; security personnel have previously used water canons and tear gas at related protests. Clashes between activists and police cannot be ruled out. Demonstrators may march along or block nearby roadways, prompting localized transport disruptions.
Advice
Avoid the demonstration as a precaution. Depart the area at the first sign of any security disturbance. Allow additional travel time near the gathering site. Heed all official transport and security advisories.