People on protest march in Dambulla

At least 3,000 people, made up mainly of farmers and fishermen have converged on to the Dambulla Town to protest at the rising cost of living and the threats to their livelihoods, reports reaching Colombo said.

The reports added that the protesters who had come from all parts of the country were being supported by members of the clergy that included Buddhist Monks and Catholic priests.

The protesters have begun marching from the Vihara Junction in the main Dambulla Town to the Gamudawa Grounds.

While the farmers are concerned over the poor prices offered for paddy the fishermen are furious over the recent hike in fuel prices that has affected the industry.