Tear gas and water cannons fired at protestors for the first time in GR tenure

• Protestors converge at Pangiriwatta Road clash with police as they break barricades
• Several protestors and journalists injured   
• Army, police and STF personnel deployed   
• Power and network down during protest   
• Protestors set fire to Army bus, completely destroying it  

By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya, Sheain Fernandopulle and Chaturanga Samarawickrama   

Police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse the massive crowd who were protesting near the private residence of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa in Mirihana last night after they broke the first barricade and tried to storm towards the President’s residence.    

Initially, a group of individuals staged a protest at the Jubilee Post Roundabout in Mirihana over the government’s failure to address the existing issues in the country including power cuts, the rising cost of living and shortage of fuel and other essential items.   

Later on, more individuals joined the protesting crowd as they were marching towards the residence. However, barricades had been set up preventing protestors from marching towards the residence and security was also beefed up at the areas by deploying army and police officers. Subsequently, Tear gas and water cannons were fired at protestors as they broke the first barricade.   

It was also reported that several protestors and journalists were injured after being hit by stones.   
The Daily Mirror learnt that President Rajapaksa was not at his home at the time of the protest.   
Meanwhile, a power cut was also reported in the areas where the protest was ongoing.   

Protestors said they had not arrived at the location with any political motive but on pure intention of protesting urging current rulers to go home.   
Meanwhile, traffic congestion was also reported around the area.   

People were also seen pelting stones towards the police and other armed forces. A bus belonging to the Sri Lanka Army was set on fire by some persons around midnight yesterday. 
The angry protestors continued with the demonstration despite the teargas and water cannon attack by the armed forces and police.   

Attempts made to contact Police Spokesmen SSP Nihal Talduwa and Senior Spokesman Senior DIG Ajith Rohana last night were futile.   

Meanwhile, about ten casualties including two Daily Mirror journalists who sustained injuries to the head have been admitted to Kalubowila Hospital.