United States (US) Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung called for a “full, transparent investigation” into a police shooting in Rambukkana, where an anti-government demonstrator was killed during a protest against the government’s mishandling of the economic crisis.
Chung expressed regret over the incident and condemned “any violence” against both protesters and the police. Calling for “restraint” on both sides, she underscored the importance of citizens’ right to protest.
I am deeply saddened by the horrible news coming out of Rambukkana. I condemn any violence - whether against protesters or police - and call for restraint & calm from all sides. A full, transparent investigation is essential & the people’s right to peaceful protest must be upheld
— Ambassador Julie Chung (@USAmbSL) April 19, 2022
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On Tuesday evening in the central town of Rambukkana, Sri Lankan police forces used tear gas and opened fire against a crowd who had gathered to protest against the government’s announcement of another fuel price hike. It marked the first time security forces opened fire against protesters since the onset of widespread demonstrations on March 31.
According to police officials, demonstrators had blocked the Rambukkana Railway Crossing for over 15 hours and were preparing to set a container with 30,000 litres of fuel ablaze. Police spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa revealed that the police had issued several warnings before attempting to disperse the crowd. However, the crowd began pelting stones against them, to which the police responded with tear gas and then gunfire.
One person was killed in the clashes between protesters and the police, while 27 were injured, including ten policemen. According to the director of the Kegalle hospital, Dr. Mihiri Priyangani, ten persons were admitted to the hospital with injuries. While one succumbed to his injuries, two others remain in critical condition. Priyangani clarified that the injuries were caused by gunshot wounds.
Video circulating in Facebook, Sri Lanka Police brutally assaulting protesters #SriLankaCrisis pic.twitter.com/kEKU1w37Ew
— NewsWire 🇱🇰 (@NewsWireLK) April 19, 2022
Following the incident, police chief C.D. Wickramaratne reassured that his forces had used “minimum force” to disperse the crowd. Furthermore, the police has called on protesters to refrain from disrupting the transport of fuel, which they warned would further disrupt the supply of essential items in the country.
Apart from the US Ambassador, several other envoys have condemned the incident. British High Commissioner Sarah Hulton called for an “independent and transparent investigation,” and reiterated the importance of the right to protest. Additionally, Amnesty International called for authorities to “exercise restraint” and refrain from using excessive force.
I am deeply saddened to hear of the loss of life in protests in Rambukkana. An independent and transparent investigation is essential. I condemn violence in all forms and call for restraint. The right to peaceful protest must be protected.
— Sarah Hulton OBE (@SarahHultonFCDO) April 19, 2022
Along the same lines, the Bar Association of Sri Lanka condemned the incident and called for an “independent investigation.” It also urged the government to “ensure that the police and armed forces act with utmost restraint” against the protesters, who it said are raising “genuine grievances.”
Furthermore, the Human Rights Commission of Sri Lanka assigned a special committee to publish a report on the incident. They also called for an emergency meeting on Wednesday to discuss the steps to be taken against the police’s actions.
Deeply concerned by reports of harm to protestors in #Rambukkana. Violence by any party involved hinders the rights of all peaceful protestors. Restricting use of force to the minimum extent necessary is vital to protect citizens and their right to exercise fundamental freedoms.
— Hanaa Singer-Hamdy (@SingerHanaa) April 19, 2022
In response, the Secretary to the Ministry of Public Security, Major General (Retd.) Jagath Alwis, announced that a three-member committee has been set up and that an investigation has been launched into allegations of the police using excessive force in Tuesday’s incident.
President Gotabaya Rajapaksa, meanwhile, has vowed not to stand in the way of citizens “right to peacefully protest” and reiterated that the police will conduct an “impartial and transparent” investigation into the Rambukkana incident. However, he urged protesters to “refrain from violence.” His thoughts were echoed by his brother, Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa.
Sri Lankan citizens' right to peacefully protest wont be hindered. @SL_PoliceMedia will carry out an impartial & transparent inquiry re the incident at Rambukkana which led to the tragedy for which I’m deeply saddened. I urge all citizens to refrain from violence as they protest.
— Gotabaya Rajapaksa (@GotabayaR) April 20, 2022
Deeply distressed following the tragedy in Rambukkana. I have every confidence that a strict, impartial investigation will be carried out by @SL_PoliceMedia who've always served #lka with utmost honor. I urge protesters to engage in their civic right with equal respect & honour.
— Mahinda Rajapaksa (@PresRajapaksa) April 20, 2022
Simultaneously, however, additional troops have been deployed to Rambukkana, with the police declaring a curfew and urging citizens to avoid travelling through the area.
Due to a severe foreign exchange reserve shortage, Sri Lanka has been unable to import essential items such as food, medicines, and fuel, leading to heavy shortages and record-high inflation. The government has also instituted power cuts of up to 12 hours as part of cost-cutting measures. Furthermore, it has defaulted on $51 billion of foreign debt.