A protest organised by the Federation of Trade Unions to Protect Harbours against the move made by the government to enter into agreement with China on the Hambanthota Harbour, was met with water cannons and tear gas a short while ago.

Police used water cannons and tears gas to disperse the protestors who converged on Lotus Road in Fort.

Police launched the attack on the protesters when they attempted to remove the barricades placed near the Lotus Road. 

Police sources said the protesters were heading towards the Presidential Secretariat. 

Lotus Road and adjoining roads were closed this morning as a result of the protests in Colombo, in solidarity of port workers in Hambanthota.