A 36-hour curfew has been imposed in Sri Lanka because a state of emergency is maintained amid violent protests against food and fuel shortages.
The aim of the move is to stop the recent protests - two days after people set fire to cars at President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's private residence.
The army has already been deployed and now has the power to arrest suspects without an arrest warrant.
Sri Lanka is in the midst of a major economic crisis.
This is partly due to the lack of foreign currency paid for by fuel imports. After dealing with power outages lasting one day or more and a shortage of fuel and basic foodstuffs and medicines, public outrage in the island country of 22 million reached a new high.
The protest in front of President Rajapaskas' house began peacefully on Thursday, but according to the participants, the violence took place after the police used tear gas, water cannons and also hit the people present.
Protesters took revenge on the police by throwing stones at them.
According to an official quoted by the Reuters news agency, at least two dozen police officers were injured during the meeting.
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53 protesters were arrested on Friday and local media reported that five intelligence photographers were arrested and tortured at a police station. The government said it would investigate later allegations.
Despite the interruption, the protests continued and spread to other parts of the country.
Protesters in the capital carried banners calling for the release of the president.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa's decision to declare a state of emergency was a shock to many.
One of Sri Lanka's most drastic legislation is designed to be used in situations of "extraordinary threat, danger or disaster". One of the last, when it was named, for example, after the deadly bombings on Easter Sunday in 2019.
The law provides for the detention of persons without proof or innocence and significantly restricts fundamental rights, such as freedom of movement and expression.
It also allows the police and military to arrest and detain people without an arrest warrant.
This has raised concerns that the government will resort to the brutal attitude of protesters, who are upset about the damage to their lives in the ongoing economic crisis.
Civilian protesters and journalists have already been tortured by police for simply participating in protests in front of Mr Rajapaksa's house, and one of the organizers was arrested on Friday for questioning. Law enforcement cannot be challenged by the courts, although it must be approved by parliament within 14 days of its promulgation.
The government has a parliamentary majority for its adoption. After that, it should be extended every month.
President Rajapaksa said the decision to declare a state of emergency was made in the interests of public security, the protection of public order and the continuity of supplies and basic services.
The demonstrations marked a major shift in the popularity of Mr. Rajapaksa, who came to power with victories in 2019, promising stability and a "firm hand" to rule the country.
(Source://BBC)