On 6 May 2022, police officers fired tear gas and water cannons at thousands of demonstrators participating in anti-government protests near Diyatha Uyana Park, located in the capital Colombo. Reports indicate that dozens of protesters were attempting to storm the parliament building when police officers fired the tear gas. Several people suffered injuries in relation to the tear gas but there were no reports of arrests. Earlier in the day, trade unions and civil society organizations launched a nationwide strike to demand that the entire government resign, resulting in nationwide disruptions to public transportation services — including private taxis, buses and rail services.