Responding to the death of a protester in Colombo, and the injuring of dozens, Amnesty International has issued a statement calling on Sri Lankan police to show restraint in dealing with protesters and urgent for an independent investigation into allegations of human rights violations.

“It is worrying that even after months of widespread protests in the country, the Sri Lankan police needs to be constantly reminded of their duty to facilitate the right to freedom of peaceful assembly and exercise restraint in the use of force while policing assemblies. Their actions over the last several months have cost the lives of many peaceful protestors including another death today” stated Harindrini Corea, Regional Researcher for the Right to Protest at Amnesty International stated.

The protests on Sunday come amidst a dire economic crisis that has left the island bereft of basic necessities such as fuel, food, and medicine. The protest was organised by the National People’s Power party and was specifically against the postponement of the local government elections.

Corea further notes that “videos from yesterday show that the protesters were in a confined space without the possibility for dispersal or escape and yet the police used water cannons and tear gas in violation of international human rights law and standards on the use of force”.

She maintains that;

“Independent and impartial investigations must be promptly launched into all allegations of human rights violations, including the deaths reported in the context of the protests, so that all those found responsible are brought to justice in fair trials.”

Read the full statement here.