Police were deployed to keep demonstrators and government supporters apart outside the president’s office
Police fired tear gas and water cannon at government supporters after they breached police lines and attacked people using sticks and poles.
People are furious because the cost of living has become unaffordable.
Sri Lanka’s foreign currency reserves have virtually run dry, and it can no longer afford essential items including food, medicines and fuel.
The government blames the Covid pandemic, which all but killed off Sri Lanka’s tourist trade – one of its biggest foreign currency earners.
