Arrests in Batticaloa after protest over coronavirus patient transfer

by Geerthani
Mar 13, 2020

At least six people have been arrested by Sri Lanka’s Special Task Force earlier today after locals protested against the transfer of a patient suspected of having coronavirus to the Batticaloa Teaching Hospital.

The 47-year-old patient had reportedly been staying at a hotel in Colombo with tourists from China before he fell unwell and was receiving treatment at Kaluvanchikudy before he required a transfer to the main teaching hospital.

Sri Lankan security forces stepped up their presence in the already heavily militarised town following the protest.

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