(LANKAPUVATH | COLOMBO) – Police Media Spokesman SSP Nihal Thalduwa said the police curfew imposed in several areas since last night has been lifted at 5 this morning.
The curfew imposed in all areas of the Colombo North, Colombo South, Colombo Central, Nugegoda, Kelaniya and Mount Lavinia police divisions has been lifted.
The police curfew was imposed last night after the protests near the President’s private residence got violent and police used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protesters.
The Police Media Spokesman’s Office said 45 persons have been arrested for allegedly setting fire to several buses and vehicles during the protest in front of the President’s residence in Mirihana, Nugegoda.
One woman was also among those arrested, police said.
During the incident last night, protesters have set fire to a police bus, a military bus, a jeep, several three-wheelers and motorcycles.
According to hospital sources, 10 persons were injured in the incident and six persons were admitted to the Colombo National Hospital and four to the Kalubowila Hospital.
A hospital spokesman said five policemen were among the injured and one was in critical condition.
The Ambuldeniya junction on the Nugegoda – Maharagama road has been closed and only school vans can enter, police said.
