INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
The police curfew imposed within the Rambukkana police area has been lifted with effect from 5.00 a.m
today (April 21).The curfew order was declared in Rambukkana police area on April 19 (Tuesday) after a protest demanding fuel to be supplied
at old prices escalated fast.Residents in the area had blocked all entry and exit roads into Rambukkana town, as well as the level crossing
This obstructed the vehicular movement and train operations on the Main Line.As a tense situation ensued near the level crossing, the police
had fired tear gas to disperse the protesters
Later, as the situation escalated, the police opened fire at them, killing one person.It was confirmed that the victim was pronounced dead
due to gunshot wounds.At 24 others including 08 police officers had also sustained injuries in the tense situation
The wounded were rushed to the Kegalle Teaching Hospital
Several of them are reportedly in critical condition.In a statement issued later, Inspector-General of Police (IGP) C.D
Wickramaratne defended the police shooting, explaining that the law enforcement officers had to resort to minimum force to prevent a group
of individuals from attempting to set fire to a fuel bowser during the protest.He stated that the measure was taken to prevent massive
damages that may have been caused.Many local and international entities including the United Nations, Amnesty International and the U.S
Embassy in Colombo meanwhile raised concerns over the matter and have called for a transparent investigation into the incident.Against this
The team is headed by SSP Wasantha Kandewatte, the SSP and division in charge of Seethawakapura-Awissawella police division.
This article first appeared/also appeared in https://adaderana.lk
