COLOMBO: Twenty-six people were arrested after around 2,000 supporters of the opposition Sri Lanka Podujana Peramuna (SLPP) attempted to storm the Indian consul general’s office in Hambantota on Friday demanding that they did not want an ‘Indian colony’ in the island nation.

Although there were also slogans against China’s take over of the harbour, the wrath of the masses was mainly directed against India, with the crowd protesting against an alleged plan to “hand over” the Mattala international airport to India following the Hambantota port being “handed over” to China by the current Sirisena-Wickremsinghe government.

The demonstrators, led by MP Namal Rajapaksa and son of former Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa, were dispersed with the use of water cannons and teargas in what was seen as the first major crackdown on protesters after the national unity government took reins of the country in 2015.

Published in Dawn, October 8th, 2017

Opinion

Editorial

‘Source of terror’
Updated 29 Mar, 2024

‘Source of terror’

It is clear that going after militant groups inside Afghanistan unilaterally presents its own set of difficulties.
Chipping in
29 Mar, 2024

Chipping in

FEDERAL infrastructure development schemes are located in the provinces. Most such projects — for instance,...
Toxic emitters
29 Mar, 2024

Toxic emitters

IT is concerning to note that dozens of industries have been violating environmental laws in and around Islamabad....
Judiciary’s SOS
Updated 28 Mar, 2024

Judiciary’s SOS

The ball is now in CJP Isa’s court, and he will feel pressure to take action.
Data protection
28 Mar, 2024

Data protection

WHAT do we want? Data protection laws. When do we want them? Immediately. Without delay, if we are to prevent ...
Selling humans
28 Mar, 2024

Selling humans

HUMAN traders feed off economic distress; they peddle promises of a better life to the impoverished who, mired in...