The Police fired tear gas and water cannons to disperse a group of protesters in close proximity to the President’s official residence in Fort, Colombo today.

Several people had gathered along the Police barricades set up on Chatham Street after a group led by former MP Hirunika Premachandra had been arrested for staging a peaceful protest in front of the President’s official residence.

Hirunika Premachandra, accompanied by Vice Chairman of the SJB youth wing Rehan Jayawickreme and a group of women and men launched a protest to show displeasure over the hardships faced by the public due to the economic crisis.

Following their arrest, they were boarded onto a bus and transported to an undisclosed location with Police security.

The public had thereafter gathered near Chatham Street which leads to the President’s official residence but was attacked with tear gas and water cannons by the Police.

However, despite the attacks, the public is still gathered in the area chanting slogans against the government and the President. (NewsWire)