Thirty nine students were arrested at the protest launched by the HNDA students today near Ward Place, Colombo 7, police said.

They include 2 monks and 5 female students.

Meanwhile, six students and one policeman were injured in the attack.

Police said that the protesters were stopped when they tried to march towards the Ministry of Higher Education. Police used water cannons and tear gas before baton charging the protesters.

However, the students say that they only demanded a negotiation with the authorities.

Some students alleged that the police baton charged students and chased them towards the University of Visual and Performing Arts.