Two senior Sri Lankan police officers have been arrested over live rounds fired at protests against a pension bill at which 150 people were injured in violent clashes.
Police spokesman Prishantha Jayakody said the two inspectors were held over their conduct at Monday’s protest in Katunayake, a town near the capital Colombo that is a major free trade zone.
"The two senior officers have not been charged yet, but they were arrested in connection with the shooting at demonstrators," Jayakody said. "Investigations are under way."
A 22-year-old man was critically wounded at the protest and is on a life support system in hospital, sources said. About 12 policemen were among the 150 people wounded.
The authorities swiftly withdrew the pensions bill and declared a holiday in Katunayake to defuse tension after thousands of workers took to the streets.
(For updates you can share with your friends, follow TNN on Facebook and Twitter )