Spent shell cases from live rounds fired at the protestors earlier today.
The US Ambassador to Sri Lanka Julie Chung has called for a “full, transparent investigation” after Sri Lankan police shot dead one protestor and injured several others just hours ago in the town of Rambukkana, where a demonstration had been taking place.
“I am deeply saddened by the horrible news coming out of Rambukkana,” tweeted the ambassador.
“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.”
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
Amnesty International tweeted that it “is concerned about the disturbing reports” of the shooting, adding “authorities must always exercise restraint and use no more force than is strictly necessary”.
Sri Lanka: @amnesty is concerned about the disturbing reports emerging of at least one death and more than 10 injured after the police opened fire at protestors in Rambukkana today. The authorities must always exercise restraint and use no more force than is strictly necessary,
— Amnesty International South Asia (@amnestysasia) April 19, 2022
Saliya Pieris, the President of the Bar Association of Sri Lanka, said the organisation was “shocked and saddened at the loss of life” and also called for an “independent investigation” into the shooting.
The killing is the first death since anti-government protests erupted earlier this month.
Read more: BREAKING – Sri Lankan security forces shoot protestor dead, several injured
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