A group of student activists, including the convener of the Medical Faculty Student Action Committee, have been arrested by the police after the protest march organized by the Medical Faculty Student Action Committee based on several demands was dispersed with the use of water cannons and tear gas on two occasions today (27) afternoon.
The demonstration, aimed at voicing concerns regarding several issues, including challenges within medical faculties in Sabaragamawa, Moratuwa and North West and opposition to private universities.
Originally planned to take place in front of the Fort railway station, the protestors shifted their demonstration route to march from Green Path to Colombo Fort. As they approached Nelum Pokuna, police instructed the protesters to disperse, and when met with resistance, the police responded with water cannons and tear gas.
Some of the demonstrators regrouped near the Mahaweli Center. However, a subsequent group of activists, including the convener of the medical faculty student union, were detained by the authorities.
