Sri Lanka use tear gas to protesters against foreign hand in projects

By APD Writer Easwaran

COLOMBO, Oct. 6 (APD) -- Sri Lanka's police on Friday fired tear gas wand used water cannons to disperse a protest staged by the opposition against foreign involvement in projects in the south of the country.

The police and joint opposition members clashed during a protest in the southern town of Hambantota.

The protest was staged near the Indian Consulate in Hambantota. The police later fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse the protesters.

The police said that three policemen were injured during the clash.

The police also said that 26 people were arrested following the incident.

A restraining order had earlier been issued against joint opposition from holding a protest in the Hambantota area.

The protest was staged against the agreement reached between the government with two foreign companies to operate a port and airport in Hambantota.

The joint opposition had raised objections to the agreements saying it results in the selling of government assets to a foreign country.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)