Anti-government protesters, denouncing the worst economic crisis in Sri Lanka to be remembered, have marched around Galle International Stadium and towards the walls of the former Dutch fort that dominates the terrain.
These protesters were hoping to travel to Colombo for the main protests demanding the resignation of Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, only to be frustrated by the lack of public transport.
Instead, they gathered near the Galle railway station behind the stadium and marched from there along the ground and towards the fort.
Protesters outside Galle Stadium. Credit: AP
Protesters also occupied the walls of the fort on the second day of the first test, before being forcibly removed by authorities.
An army spokesman had said they were ordered to go ahead so as not to distract Australia’s batsmen, but the tour side denied being aware of the request or that the protesters had interfered with the game.
On the last day of the first Test and the first day of the second, the wall of the fort was guarded, preventing spectators from using it as a viewpoint to see the grill.