Tense scenes outside Presidential Secretariat as SJB protesters gather

There have been tense scenes outside the Presidential Secretariat this evening after protesters from the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB) gathered at the location at the end of their protest march. 

Some SJB supporters attempted to enter the Presidential Secretariat but were held back by police and Special Task Force (STF) personnel. 

The protesters demanded that President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and his Government resign due to their inability to control the rising cost of living, over the prevailing shortages of many essentials including fuel and gas, and over the present power crisis. The massive crowds caused severe traffic congestions in some parts of Colombo. 

The road opposite the Presidential Secretariat at the Galle Face Roundabout was also completely blocked off by the protesters. 

The protest march commenced from two locations in Colombo before protesters converged outside the Presidential Secretariat for their meeting, which was addressed by Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa. 

Pix by Eshan Fernando and Akila Jayawardana