Sri Lanka: Student protest in Colombo dispersed by police August 21

Event

On Tuesday, August 21, police in Colombo used water cannons to disperse a protest march staged by university students. The marchers had initially gathered near the main campus of the University of the Visual and Performing Arts in Colombo before heading towards the University Grant Commission in Ward Place, impacting road traffic in the area. The police fired the water cannons at students when they entered Ward Place.

Context

The protest was organized to denounce the suspension of students studying at South Eastern University as well as various recent decisions made by the Minister of Higher Education. According to the protesters, similar mobilizations are to be anticipated in the capital in the short term.

Advice

As a precautionary measure, individuals in Colombo are advised to stay away from all rallies and protests due to the risk of violence and adhere to any instructions issued by local authorities.