Tension in Colombo, 9 injured in clashes between protesters

Colombo: A Buddhist priest, who has been long protesting against Rajapaksa government, is among those who have been attacked by pro-Rajapaksa protesters on Monday.

Sri Lankan continues to spiral down into chaotic situation with clashes breaking out between pro-Rajapaksa and anti-government protesters in the national capital, according to IANS.

At least nine people have been injured in the clashes, just as a police spokesperson reported of indefinite curfew in parts of Colombo following violence.

The Rajapaksa supporters gathered at PM's official residence, Temple Trees in Colombo earlier in the day, urging Mahinda Rajapaksa to continue in power.

Armed with clubs, they attacked peaceful anti-government protesters including the Buddhist monk who had been protesting more than week outside Temple Tree demanding Rajapaksa to step down.

Rajapaksa supporters went on to set ablaze make-shift huts where some anti-government protesters were on a hunger strike.

Later, Rajapaksa supporters rushed to the protest site in front of President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's office in Galle Face Green, where a peaceful demonstration had been on for more than a month now.

Reports from the island nation say that Leader of Opposition Sajith Premadasa was attacked by unruly protesters at the Galle Face Green site.

In the worst economic crisis since independence, Sri Lankans have been facing shortages of food, medicine, fuel cooking gas, as well as being plagued by hours-long power cuts.