A protest by some Hambantota port workers turned tense after the navy was called in to assist the removal of them from the jetty.

The protesters are demanding that they should be made permanent employees at the SLPA and also to stop privatizing the Hambantota Port.

A part of these workers are protesting inside a building and the some more had occupied the jetty.

Some of the protesters blocked the way and stopped two ships from leaving the harbour, upon which the navy was asked to assist their removal.