Pro-govt supporters beat up Galle Face protestors, island wide curfew declared

(UPDATED) -Pro-government supporters beat up protesters at Galle Face to break up the demonstrations calling for the resignation of the President and Prime Minister and destroying the tents prompting the Police to use tear gas and water canisters and eventually declaring a curfew to control the situation. 

An island-wide curfew also has been declared by police following multiple attacks on protests reported from many parts of the country including another 'Go Gota Home' protest in Kandy today.

At least 23 persons were injured and hospitalized after more than 1000 Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna attended a meeting of Prime minister Mahinda Rajapaksa at the Temple Trees and then proceeded to Galle Face after attacking peaceful protesters close to the Temple trees.

Police failed to prevent SLPP supporters from heading to Galle Face, but subsequently used tear gas and water cannons after the attack took place.

The SLPP supporters armed with clubs broke up the tents and set fire to them while also causing damage to their equipment.

The Special Task Force and the Army were deployed thereafter enabling to maintain a divide between the protesters at Galle Face and the SLPP supporters who were still remaining near the Galle Face hotel junction.

The attack on the Galle face protesters have sparked off islandwide protests including one by lawyers at Hulftsdorp and health workers opposite the national hospital. 

The SLPP supporters planned to proceed to the Galle Face site soon after the meeting with the Prime Minister was over.

Despite speculation that Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa will announce his resignation today, he only said that he was willing to make “any sacrifice” and that any decision should be taken keeping in mind the 6.9 million mandate given by the people.