Police used tear gas and water cannons in Colpetty as well near the Colombo University’s Faculty of Aesthetic Studies, located near the Nelum Pokuna Theatre, to disperse a protest march of the Inter-University Students’ Federation (IUSF), reports say.

The march was held as a mark of protest against several factors including tax burdens, calling to repeal the PTA and to slash commodity prices as well as to release IUSF convener – Wasantha Mudalige.

Earlier, the Colombo Fort Magistrate’s Court had issued a restraining order preventing protestors from entering the Galle Face Green in Colombo from Lipton’s Circus via Union Place.

However, the court order had further mentioned that the protestors will be allowed to carry out the protest they have organized peacefully, without entering the Galle Face Green.

Heavy traffic was reported in the area.