Twenty one people, including three security personnel were injured during a clash between protesters and police in Hambantota today.

The protest took place during the ceremony to open the Mirijjawila trade zone, which is a Chinese investment.

The protesters oppose the privatization of the Hambantota port.

The Hambantota Magistrate Court issued an injunction order against protests today coinciding with the ceremony. However, the protesters converged at Mirijjawila despite the court order. They clashed with the police, penetrating the barriers that had been set up. Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protests.