Sri Lanka: Activists demonstrating near the Presidential Secretariat in Colombo March 18

Event

Members of the Janatha Vimukthi Paramuna (JVP) party are protesting near the Presidential Secretariat in the Fort area of Colombo March 18. Participants are denouncing alleged government corruption and sale of state resources. Authorities have closed Galle Face entry road from the Lotus Roundabout; traffic disruptions are being reported in the area.

Authorities will likely maintain heightened security near the protest and may try to disperse the gathering if it is especially disruptive. Clashes between protesters and police are possible; police sometimes use force to break up gatherings. Localized transport disruptions will likely continue until the protest concludes.

Advice

Avoid the protest due to possible clashes. If violence breaks out, leave the area immediately. Follow all security personnel instructions. Allow additional travel time near the protest.