Tensions erupted near Vihara Mahadevi Park today as Sri Lanka Police deployed tear gas and water cannons to disperse a protest march led by the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), with a significant turnout including Opposition Leader Sajith Premadasa and several other Members of Parliament (MPs).

The protest, organized by the SJB, aimed to highlight pressing issues and grievances, drawing a large crowd of demonstrators. However, as the march progressed, police personnel formed barricades, blocking the path of the protesters and deploying anti-riot squads to maintain order.

The scene quickly escalated into chaos as police fired tear gas and unleashed water cannons to disperse the crowd, leading to chaotic scenes of protesters scrambling for safety amidst clouds of tear gas and jets of water.