COLOMBO, May 9 (Xinhua) -- A curfew was imposed by the police in Sri Lanka on Monday after tensions arose due to clashes between protesters in the capital Colombo.
On Monday morning pro-government protesters held a demonstration opposite the Temple Trees, the official residence of prime minister, urging Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa not to resign.
Following their meeting with the prime minister, they clashed with anti-government protesters near the Temple Trees.
At least 16 people who sustained injuries have been admitted to the Colombo National Hospital.
Sri Lanka has been plunged in weeks of economic crisis stemming from a foreign exchange shortage which has led to a shortage in essential supplies such as fuel, food and medicines.
Protests have been ongoing for days calling on the government and lawmakers to find urgent solutions. ■