UNP Protest Against Fuel Hike

Friday, 17 February 2012 08:56

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The United National Party (UNP) had organized a protest against the recent fuel hike in Colombo today (17 Feb).
The protest took place opposite the Fort Railway Station at 3 pm with several opposition parties, who had accepted the invitation extended by the UNP to join in the protest.

With the demonstration turning aggressive the Police were forced to use tear gas and water cannons to disperse the unruly protesters.

The road in front of the Fort Railway Station and Olcott Mawatha was closed as protesters were blocking roads leading to the fort railway station and bus stand. Office workers were stranded as traffic in and around Fort was at peak. The Police had advised commuters to use alternative routes.

Until late in the evening the road leading from Fort, Olcott Mawatha, Technical Junction to the CTO Junction was closed and the Police had taken action to clear the roads immediately.

During the protest, Gampaha District UNP Parliamentarian Dr. Jayalath Jayawardena who had suffered injuries while the Police were dispersing the crowds was admitted to the Colombo National Hospital.

The parliamentarian was reportedly wounded after a canister of tear gas had struck his head during the commotion.