President Maithripala Sirisena has been forced to change his programmes in Puttalam today as protests against Aruwakkalu garbage disposal site erupted in the area. 

The President was expected to visit Puttalam today to attend several openings. However, the protesters demanded an opportunity to meet President Maithripala Sirisena and present their grievances. 

Sources close to the President said the latter had to cancel due to the advice of his security staff.

The President is yet to give a meeting to the protestors who claim that the Aruwakkalu garbage disposal site is a grave environmental and health threat to the area. 

Police had deployed anti-riot squads to quell the protests earlier today. 

The Aruakkalu garbage disposal site is a brainchild of Megapolis and Western Province Development Minister Patali Champika Ranawaka.