First death reported in SL protests as police open fire

Sri Lankan police on Tuesday opened fire at anti-government protesters in southwestern region of Rambukkana, killing at least one person and injuring 12 others – the first death during the ongoing protests over the worst-ever economic crisis in the country’s history.

The residents of Rambukkana – some 90 kilometers northeast of Colombo, were protesting at the latest fuel price hike when they clashed with the police. Scores of protesters teemed the streets and public places of Rambukkana town on Monday. The demonstration went late into the night.

On Tuesday, the protesters blocked the railway track at Rambukkana. When they were asked to clear the rail line, they hurled stones at security personnel, police said. Police Spokesperson Nihal Thalduwa said police issued warnings to the protesters to leave the area. However, they attempted to set fire to a fuel bowser, as well as a three-wheeler causing damage to property, Thalduwa was quoted as saying by News 1st channel. Thalduwa said that the police had opened fire after initially using tear gas to disperse the crowd and bring the situation under control.

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