Police Fired Expired Tear Gas Canisters, University Students Allege

University students have alleged that the Police has used outdated tear gas when the fired at the students attempting to disrupt their protest march on May 17.

The students who have picked up the empty canisters in the aftermath of Police action against the point to clear instructions given on the canister: DO NOT USE IN ANY MANNER IF THIS DEVICE HAS BEEN SUBJECTED TO POOR STORAGE CONDITIONS OR STORED LONGER THAN FIVE YEARS FROM THE DATE OF MANUFACTURE.

The date of manufacture indicated on the empty canister is 2004 – 13 years ago, the students allege. The students allege that in using outdated tear gas on students, law enforcement and the Yahapalana government is putting them in a dangerous situation.