Following reports of the Sri Lankan army opening fire on those queuing for petrol, US Ambassador for Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, has urged for an investigation into the excessive use of force tweeting:
As petrol lines & power cuts increase, tensions are naturally rising too. But boiling over will not address SL’s urgent needs. I urge authorities to exercise restraint under these difficult circumstances. Any excessive use of force should be quickly investigated.
— Ambassador Julie Chung (@USAmbSL) June 19, 2022
At least two Tamils were injured during the gunfire and a further three Tamil youth were detailed by the army. Troops reportedly attacked locals after they began to raise complaints about the uneven distribution of fuel, with soldiers manning the station giving preferential to a select few. Locals had queued for hours to secure fuel which has been in short supply across the island.
Her statement comes as locals have stressed the need for international accountability for previous mass atrocities committed by the army to end a culture of impunity.
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