• At least 16 soldiers have been injured during the clash with protesters

 By Darshana Sanjeewa Balasuriya

 The Sri Lanka Army said yesterday that protesters had brutally assaulted two soldiers on Wednesday night during the protests near Parliament and took two automatic T-56 assault rifles from their possession along with ammunition. 

 Army Spokesman Brigadier Nilantha Premaratna said two army soldiers were brutally assaulted and their weapons and ammunition were stolen by protesters who behaved violently in and around the Parliament roundabout.

 He urged the public to be vigilant as violence can be spread using these stolen weapons.

 Meanwhile, the spokesman said at least 16 soldiers have been injured during the clash with protesters and are receiving treatment at the Army Hospital.

 Meanwhile, the Army said in a statement that members of the Armed Forces and the Police have been empowered to enforce the law and order in the country to protect her people, public property, and the country at large at the expense of their own lives.