October 21, 2015
The Embassy has received reports of two planned protests consisting of about 500 students starting at about 12:30 p.m. today. The first will involve a gathering near the Aesthetic University on Albert Crescent Colombo 7 and the other at the Aesthetic University building on Horton Place, Colombo 7. Both protests are expected to merge at Albert Crescent and march via CWW Kannaggara Mawatha, Lipton Circus, Dean’s Road, Mardana Technical Junction, to the Fort Railway Station. Heavy police presence and traffic congestion should be expected. U.S. citizens are advised to avoid these areas during the demonstration.
We remind U.S. citizens that even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn violent. Please exercise caution if in the vicinity of any demonstrations, monitor media coverage of local events and be aware of surroundings at all times.
