Sri Lanka security forces raid protest camp as Ranil Wickremesinghe flexes muscles

Arrests as hundreds of demonstrators evicted from camp blocking presidential office, hours before they were due to vacate area

Sri Lankan security forces have carried out a violent early morning raid on the main anti-government protest camp in Colombo, beating protesters, destroying tents and arresting nine people.

Friday's raid saw thousands of police and troops armed with riot gear descend on the camp, known as Gota Go Gama, where hundreds of people have been living for over three months. More than 50 people were injured and three people were sent to hospital in the attack, according to St John Ambulance volunteers at the scene.