21 people in hospital because of Hambantota clash

21 people in hospital because of Hambantota clash

Information was received to the effect that protests could flare up today (7) at the moment of commencement of the Sri Lanka -- China Karmanthapura. As a result the police had armed themselves with a court order in advance, prohibiting such activities.

However, as a crowd of people had engaged in a protest at the point where the Southern

Development Project was launched, resulted in a heated environment. Among the protesters were a crowd of MPs of the United Opposition who protested against the China -- Sri Lanka Karmanthapura and privatization of the Hambantota Port. From the clash that took place in the process, 21 persons were wounded.

The police had taken measures to prevent protesters from gaining access to land area where the ceremony was to take place. Because of certain elements who took action in making their way across such barriers this commotion had taken place, it was said. As a consequence the demonstrators had pelted stones at the police and the police were compelled to counter attack by aiming tear gas and water canons. Among the injured victims were 3 officers of the security forces and the majority of the injured had been wounded because of attacks from stones, Dr. Sumith Manathunga, Director of Hambanthota Hospital has stated.

What Prime Minister Ranil has mentioned was that this project was a proposal of the Mahinda regime and that it was pointless to go against it. It was also said that after launching the development zone, a lakh of job opportunities would be created.