Responding to reports of the Sri Lankan army opening fire on those queuing for petrol, the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has condemned the military’s violence and demanded that those responsible be held accountable.
On Twitter the Committee tweeted:
Opening fire on unarmed civilians is entirely unacceptable. Proud to join those worldwide calling on Sri Lanka's government to make clear that the military's violent & provocative abuses cannot continue. Those guilty must be held to account. https://t.co/3hXPyQOQ4M
— Senate Foreign Relations Committee (@SFRCdems) June 22, 2022
The statement follows a similar condemnation by US Ambassador for Sri Lanka, Julie Chung, who urged an urgent investigation into the use of excessive force.
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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