Several heads of diplomatic missions including the UK, US and Canada condemned the violence in Sri Lanka as Sri Lankan police opened fire on peaceful demonstrators in the town of Rambukkana, killing at least one person and injuring several.
Sarah Hulton, British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, stated on Twitter:
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
Canada’s High Commissioner to Sri Lanka and the Maldives similarly stressed the need for an investigation and for those responsible to be held to account.
Deeply saddened to hear of the dead and injured in Rambukkana. My thoughts go out to their families. Maximum restraint is urgently required, and those instigating violence must be accountable.
— David McKinnon (@McKinnonDavid) April 19, 2022
US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has called for a “full, transparent investigation”
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
The violent crackdown follows a statement from Sri Lanka’s Defence Secretary in which he denied that Sri Lankan police would deploy violence to dispel demonstrators.
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