Sri Lanka police imposed a curfew in the Rambukkana Police Division until further notice following unrest in the country with the clash between protesters and police in the city….reports Asian Lite News
Sri Lankan Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa on Wednesday said that he is deeply distressed following the violence that took place in Rambukkana town.
Taking to Twitter, Rajapaksa urged the protestors to engage in their civic right with equal respect and honour.
“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,” Rajapaksa tweeted.
Sri Lanka police imposed a curfew in the Rambukkana Police Division until further notice following unrest in the country with the clash between protesters and police in the city.
“Police curfew has been imposed in the Rambukkana Police Division until further notice,” Police spokesperson said.
This action comes after one person died and 24 people were injured by the gunshot after the protesters and police clashed in Rambukkana town of Sri Lanka on Tuesday afternoon.
The protesters were agitating in Rambukkana against the decision of increasing the fuel prices again, Daily Mirror reported.
According to the publication, in the videos, the protestors were seen carrying the wounded people and rushing them to the hospital.
A protestor, in a video, also blamed the police for this incident. They have surrounded the Rambukkana Police Station and are hurling stones at the building, as reported by Daily mirror.
Earlier, Sri Lankan police had shot tear gas at the protesters to disperse them after the 15-hour protest against the fuel price hike, the report added.
On Monday, the Ceylon Petroleum Corporation (CPP) decided to increase fuel prices. A litre of petrol 92 octane has been increased by Rs 84 while a litre of petrol 95 octane by Rs 90, a litre of Auto Diesel by Rs 113 and a litre of super diesel has been increased by Rs 75.
Meanwhile, the US ambassador to Sri Lanka, Julie Chung called for restraint and calm after reports of violence emerged from the town.
“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 and calm from all sides. A full, transparent investigation is essential and the people’s right to peaceful protest must be upheld,” Ambassador Chung tweeted.
Sri Lanka is facing its worst economic crisis since independence with food and fuel shortages, soaring prices and power cuts affecting a large number of the people, resulting in massive protests over the government’s handling of the situation.
The economic situation has led to huge protests with demands for the resignation of Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. (ANI)