Sri Lanka protests - in pictures

Security forces try to disperse university students in Colombo, Sri Lanka. EPA
Security forces try to disperse university students in Colombo, Sri Lanka. EPA
Sri Lankan university monks' take part in the demonstration in Colombo. AFP
Sri Lankan university monks' take part in the demonstration in Colombo. AFP
Policemen try to block Sri Lankan university students from gathering. AFP
Policemen try to block Sri Lankan university students from gathering. AFP
Students clash with police. AFP
Students clash with police. AFP
A number of people were arrested by the police, who carried riot shields and batons. AFP
A number of people were arrested by the police, who carried riot shields and batons. AFP
Police said they used minimum force and only arrested those who attacked officers or damaged state property. AFP
Police said they used minimum force and only arrested those who attacked officers or damaged state property. AFP
Police also fired teargas and water cannon at several hundred people who tried to organise a march in the centre of Colombo. AFP
Police also fired teargas and water cannon at several hundred people who tried to organise a march in the centre of Colombo. AFP
Sri Lankan university students take part in a demonstration in Colombo. AFP
Sri Lankan university students take part in a demonstration in Colombo. AFP
Police detain this student in Colombo. AFP
Police detain this student in Colombo. AFP
A standoff between the marchers and police. AFP
A standoff between the marchers and police. AFP
Buddhist monks' joined the protest. AFP
Buddhist monks' joined the protest. AFP
A police officer pushes a protester. AP
A police officer pushes a protester. AP
Anti-government protesters flee as police fire teargas. AP
Anti-government protesters flee as police fire teargas. AP
Thursday's rally came after a period of relative calm in Sri Lanka. EPA
Thursday's rally came after a period of relative calm in Sri Lanka. EPA
University students shout slogans and bang the drums. EPA
University students shout slogans and bang the drums. EPA
Protesters shield themselves from water cannon. EPA
Protesters shield themselves from water cannon. EPA