Police fired into the air to disperse a group of protesters who tried to forcefully enter the Haguranketha Police Station.
The protesting residents have demanded the arrest of former SLPP Pradeshiya Sabha member Anura Hewamanna who has been accused of killing a 22-year-old youth.
A young man named Sandalu Santhush had been killed and the suspect is said to be a friend of former MP Saliya Dissanayake.
Saliya Dissanayake is a brother of former Minister S.B. Dissanayake.
Nearly 200 men and women have surrounded the building and the police said that most of the men were under the influence of liquor.
Police have shot fired into the air since it was observed that the people behaving violently were attempting to enter the police station by force.
However, the protesting residents have left the police station and dispersed after protesting for about an hour on the road.
President Anura Kumara Disanayake paid a visit to the Vatican Embassy this afternoon (24) to extend his condolences on the passing of His Holiness Pope Francis.
Upon his arrival, the President was warmly received by Most Reverend Archbishop Brian N. Udaigwe, the Apostolic Nuncio of the Vatican to Sri Lanka.
Following a brief discussion with Archbishop Udaigwe, President Disanayake signed the book of condolence, conveying, on behalf of the Government and the people of Sri Lanka, heartfelt sympathies to the global Christian community on the demise of His Holiness Pope Francis.
The Sri Lankan government has decided to declare April 26, 2025, a National Day of Mourning in view of the late Pope Francis’s funeral.
In a statement, the Minister of Public Administration, Provincial Councils and Local Government announces that all national flags at state institutions will be flown half-mast on April 26.