Police used tear gas and water cannons in an attempt to disperse the protest by disabled veterans and others as they made an attempt to enter the Presidential Secretariat.

The protest by the disabled veterans had been ongoing since October 31.

The police had sought a court restriction order against the protest earlier in the day and was refused. Fort Magistrate told police that they could take necessary measures to disperse the protest if it obstructed the public.

However, police had closed the Lotus Road near the Presidential Secretariat earlier in the day.