Tense situation in Katunayake

24 May 2011 12:59 pm

Nearly 350 airmen and policemen were used to disperse protesters who blocked the Katunayake - Negombo railway track protesting against the proposed private pension scheme this afternoon

The rail track was blocked using concrete slabs. Fifteen protesters were reportedly arrested by the police.

Police media spokesman Prishantha Jayakody said that the protesters came to an agreement with the police to halt the protest a short while ago. He said that no tear gas was used to disperse the protesters.

However a group of protesters had reached the rail tracks and laid concrete slabs urging the passengers to get down from their trains. (SD)