Social media activist Anuruddha Bandara and 21 others were taken into custody by the police for the unfolding incidents near the Presidential Secretariat in Galle Face.

The arrests were following the tense situation that prevailed since this morning.

Police charged the suspects with blocking and closing the Lotus Road access near the Presidential Secretariat.

Police also said the protestors allegedly disrupted the discussions between the IMF delegation and the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance.

Reports pointed out that the Secretary to the Ministry of Finance, Mahinda Siriwardena was half an hour behind schedule for the meeting with the IMF.

Among the arrested are four women, police said.

The suspects are due to be produced before the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court today.

Security forces have sealed the Lotus Road near the Presidential Secretariat and thrown a tight security net around the place following these incidents.