Police spokesman SP Preshantha Jayakody said the protestors got disruptive and attacked the officers who tried to disperse them. Three police officers received injuries, the spokesman added.
The protestors were demanding the release of the arrested opposition presidential candidate and former military chief General Sarath Fonseka who was taken into custody by the military on sedition charges on last Monday (08).
Tensions have risen in the country since the arrest as the opposition has vowed to continue the protests until the General's release.
President Mahinda Rajapaksa said the General's arrest was not an act of political vengeance but a military matter and the due process will follow.
The defeated candidate is accused of engaging in politics while still in uniform, conspiring to overthrow the government and the President in a coup and several other charges that violated the country's military act.
The government says it has strong evidence to prove the charges against the former Chief of Defence Staff.
colombopage
Feb 14, Tangalle: A group of about hundred protesters backed by Sri Lanka's Marxist Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna clashed with the police this morning in the town of Tangalle in Southern Sri Lanka.
The police baton charged and dispersed the protesters who rallied around the central bus stand in the town and blocked the traffic disturbing the public. Six protestors have been arrested, police said.
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