Sri Lanka police arrested a 31-year-old motorist who allegedly instigated a honking protest when visiting Chinese Defence Minister General Wei Fenghe’s motorcade was passing through earlier this week.

Widely circulated video footage showed seemingly frustrated motorists honking incessantly as they were forced to wait for the motorcade to pass, Economynext reported.

Police spokesman DIG Ajith Rohana said the individual charged with organising the protest had posted a video online where he is heard encouraging fellow motorists to honk and express their displeasure over the temporary road closure.

Rohana said the suspect is a resident in Battaramulla who had been in Australia for 10 years.

The police spokesman said according to the Vienna Convention, a host country is responsible for providing security and other facilities required for a visiting foreign dignitary.

The road at the Borella junction was closed on Tuesday night since the Sri Lankan government has a responsibility to provide security to the defence minister of a powerful country like China, he said.

The suspect was released on bail later.

(SAM)