Island wide protests galore today against fuel price hike

A number of protests are taking place island-wide today with lawyers, university students, and the public taking to the streets in their respective towns. 

University students from state universities gathered at the Viharamaha Devi park in Colombo and are heading towards Galle Face Green where they will join other protestors. 

The Colombo University’s Inter-University Student Federation said students from all faculties will be attending today’s protest. A protest is being held outside Diyatha Uyana seeking justice for protestors in Rambukkana. 

Lawyers from Galle held a protest march in front of Galle bus stand today at noon demanding the government to protect its people’s right to protest and voiced against yesterday’s attack on protesting civilians. 

A protest was held near the clock tower in Dambulla by motorists and organisations from the area over the fuel crisis and against yesterday’s police shooting which left one dead and over twenty sustaining gunshot injuries.

Motorists blocked the main A9 and A6 roads with their vehicles resulting in heavy traffic in the area. Religious leaders were seen advising protestors to avoid causing damage to public and private property. Heavy police presence was seen in Dambulla town during the protest. 

Lanka Estate Workers Union, telecom, postal and teacher unions in Hatton held a protest march demanding the government to address the growing concerns of the public and against yesterday’s shooting. 

Meanwhile, a number of protests are taking place in Kandy, Colombo Fort, Kollupitiya, and Kohuwala today evening demanding the resignation of the head of the state, against the the increasing cost of living and fuel crisis. 

Shops in Mullaitivu and Puthukuduiruppu were closed today in support of people protesting against the present fuel crisis, skyrocketing cost of living and police shooting at protesting civilians.

Pix by Sirangika Lokukaravita (Galle), Sudath H.M. Hewa (Hatton), Kanchana Ariyadasa (Dambulla) 

Protest held in front of Parliament junction today. Pix by- M. A. Pushpakumara