44 protesters arrested on Wednesday night test negative for coronavirus

By Rathindra Kuruwita

Forty four people arrested on Wednesday night following a protest opposite the Presidential Secretariat, and subjected to rapid antigen tests, have not tested positive for Covid-19.

Police Spokesman Senior DIG Ajith Rohana said those arrested comprised 22 males and 16 females including principals, teachers and some outsiders. They were to be produced before court yesterday on charges of wrongful restraint, violation of quarantine regulations and illegal assembly.

The police also took 10 vehicles into custody.

Principals, teachers and others came to Colombo on Wednesday, urging the government to solve their long standing salary issues.